(U.S. Senate) –Ranking Member Jon Tester today announced his support for John Lowry, President Trump’s nominee to lead the effort to make sure every veteran has a successful career after their military service.

In a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Tester screened Lowry for the position of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training.

Tester secured Lowry’s commitment to guarantee that rural veterans have access to job training and career development opportunities.

“After meeting with Mr. Lowry and reviewing his qualifications, he has the experience and business sense to help veterans gain meaningful employment after serving our nation,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Mr. Lowry has a big task ahead of him, and I’ll be holding him accountable to ensure every veteran has a good paying job. I look forward to quickly confirming another one of President Trump’s nominees and putting him to work for our nation’s veterans.”

Tester pushed Lowry to improve services for military spouses, who face an unemployment rate of 20 to 25 percent.

Tester has introduced bipartisan legislation to help working spouses who have to renew or transfer a professional license when their families move across state lines by offering a $500 tax credit to assist with licensing costs.

Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group, but often face barriers to the services and benefits that they earned. Tester urged Lowry to prioritize breaking down those barriers so Native American veterans have access to job training and employment assistance. 

Tester has voted for all 12 of President Trump’s nominees who have come before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training will oversee the Department of Labor’s effort to assist veterans with employment and job training.

More information about Mr. Lowry’s confirmation hearing can be found online HERE. Tester’s opening statement can be found HERE.