WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today introduced a bipartisan bill that would give qualified members of the National Guard and Reserves a tiered preference in hiring for federal civil service jobs. The Military Reserve Jobs Act would help promote the hiring of National Guard members and Reservists into the federal workforce.

“The men and women of the armed forces, including the National Guardsmen and Reservists, are our nation’s greatest asset,” Sen. Cruz said. “They preserve our freedoms and ensure our military readiness. I am proud to lead this effort again this year and appreciate the leadership of Sen. Tester and his strong support for our nation's veterans. This legislation would ensure these brave men and women have the same opportunities for federal employment as veterans of other military branches, and am hopeful Congress will move quickly to pass this important bill.”

“More than 200,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves are contributing to our nation-al security by serving across our nation, ready to be deployed,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Our bill helps all Guardsmen and Reservists find good-paying jobs while encouraging them to continue their service in uniform.”

Read the full text of the bill here. A one pager is available here and below.