Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) called the defeat yesterday by Republicans of the Veterans Jobs Corps Act a "disgrace." The law would have allocated $1 billion to help veterans get the training and support needed to increase employment opportunities, without adding a dime to the deficit.

"Blocking this bill to score political points is a disgrace," said Senator Menendez. "I am extremely disappointed that help for our veterans was stalled by elected leaders in the Republican party who are more interested in playing politics than living up to our promise to the men and women who served our country. I won't stop fighting for investments to train and support New Jersey veterans as they try to make a smooth transition from the battle field to the workforce. The men and women who fight for our country should not have to fight for a job."

The Veterans Jobs Corps Act would have helped veterans get jobs by:

  • Encouraging the hiring of more veterans as first responders;
  • Hiring and training more veterans for public infrastructure projects and public sector jobs;
  • Mandating consideration of military training and experience for state licenses;
  • Providing transition counseling off-base to veterans and their spouses, which will be particularly beneficial to local members of the Guard and Reserves;
  • Expanding contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses.

The Veterans Jobs Corps Act bill is fully paid for by:

  • Authorizing the IRS to recover additional money from Medicare providers and suppliers who are delinquent on their tax bills;
  • Requiring the Secretary of State to rescind or deny passports to any individuals who owe in excess of $50,000 in unpaid taxes.

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