Bustos Passes Amendment in Transportation Committee to Give Veterans Hiring Preference
WASHINGTON – February 12, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced and passed an amendment to ensure that veterans receive hiring preference for work on airport improvement projects.
“I was proud to have broad bipartisan support for my amendment today, and I believe that when veterans return from serving our country, we should do everything in our power to help them find good-paying jobs that can support a family,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “This amendment will ensure that veterans are given all due consideration they deserve when looking for jobs on airport improvement projects.”
Under current law, “Afghanistan-Iraq War veteran” is defined as individuals who served on active duty in the armed forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn for more than 180 consecutive days.
Congresswoman Bustos’ amendment updates the definition of “Afghanistan-Iraq War veteran” to include those who’ve served in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve, two current operations in the Middle East. Operation Freedom’s Sentinel is the current name for operations in Afghanistan, and Operation Inherent Resolve is the name for intervention against ISIS, including efforts in Iraq and Syria.
As this legislation is authorized until 2022, Congresswoman Bustos’ amendment also includes catch-all language to cover those who serve in support of operations that directly succeed the previous campaigns, ensuring that no future name change will keep veterans from being rewarded for their service.
