MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) joined 13 other Senators in introducing the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, a bill to help veterans struggling find work and to address the rising unemployment among our nation’s heroes. With the national unemployment rate among young veterans aged 20-24 at over 27 percent, this bi-partisan bill would require job skills training for separating service members and create new pathways to private sector and federal employment.

“Our nation’s veterans are well trained, highly skilled, experienced, and capable,” said Senator Daniel K. Akaka. “The Hiring Heroes Act will provide opportunities for those completing military service to get jobs in the federal government, helping them to successfully transition to civilian life while keeping their talent for the benefit of the American public. This is a win-win for our veterans and the country.”

The bill was introduced May 11 by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senators Akaka, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Max Baucus (D-MT), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Robert Casey (D-PA), Scott Brown (R-MA), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

The bill is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.