(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after President Obama signed the “VOW to Hire Heroes Act” into law. This bipartisan, bicameral, comprehensive legislation would lower the rate of unemployment among our nation’s veterans.  It combines provisions of Senator Murray’s Hiring Heroes Act (S. 951; Report #112-36), Representative Jeff Miller’s Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433; Report #112-242), and veterans’ tax credits into a comprehensive package that will aggressively attack the unacceptably high rate of veteran’s unemployment. 

“Today is a historic day in our efforts to support our veterans when they return home,” said Senator Murray. “This law helps our nation’s heroes translate the skills they learned in their service into careers, and gives employers even more incentive to hire our veterans. After crisscrossing my home state for more than two years, hearing the concerns from highly qualified veterans who struggle to find work, I am thrilled Congress was able to come together in a bipartisan manner and do right by these brave men and women. This is an example of how Congress can and should work - elected officials putting what’s best for the American people before politics or partisanship. I thank President Obama for signing such a critical bill into law and am glad to see our veterans finally get the employment assistance they deserve.”

VIDEO: Senator Murray “Vow to Hire Heroes Act” floor statement.