Rutherford, Lawson Reintroduce Veterans Armed for Success Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04) and Congressman Al Lawson (FL-05) reintroduced the Veterans Armed for Success Act, which passed the House last year. This bipartisanlegislation creates a grant matching program for organizations, such as Operation New Uniform in Jacksonville, that provide job readiness for veterans and their spouses. Eligible programs must display a commitment to ensuring our veterans have the skills they need to transition from warfighter to civilian. Congressmen Rutherford and Lawson are joined by fellow Northeast Florida Representatives Ted Yoho (FL-03) and Mike Waltz (FL-06) in supporting this important bill.

"Congress has the responsibility to fight for those who fought for us," said Rutherford. "I have seen firsthand the huge impact that transition assistance programs have made in my own region of Northeast Florida.When communities get involved and help veterans find stable, long-term employment, we see better outcomes for all. I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation to help our warfighters better transition to civilian life."

"When our servicemembers return home, it is critical for them to have access to resources that will make for an easier transition, said Lawson. "The Veterans Armed for Success Act equips local organizations with the support they need to train our veterans from serving to a professional career. I will continue doing all that I can to guarantee that veterans receive access to the resources and opportunities they rightfully deserve."

"Our veterans answered the call to defend our nation and protect the liberties and freedoms we enjoy every day, said Yoho. "When their service is complete, it is essential that their country give them every tool to transition back into civilian life successfully. The Veterans Armed for Success Act focuses on transition assistance for all veterans providing them with the training they need to be successful in the workforce. I am happy to join Rep. Rutherford along with other Members of Congress in support of this vital bill to help our veterans."

"As a combat veteran and Green Beret, I know how hard service men and women train and prepare for our jobs on the battlefield," said Waltz. "It is also essential for us to train and prepare for our transition into civilian life, but we often need resources and guidance to do so. Our country and our communities are better when our veterans find stable, meaningful employment to support themselves and their families. I'm proud the Veterans Armed for Success Act will provide VA grants to local organizations supporting our heroes' transitions."

Michele McManamon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Operation New Uniform, said, "My team and I are proud of the commitment of Congressmen Rutherford and Lawson, and their offices, to the issues that impact the veteran community and we fully support the reintroduction of the Veterans Armed for Success Act. Our veterans are our nations heroes and Operation New Uniform is humbled to do our part to ensure our veterans are equipped with the skills to succeed in business by helping them gain the careers they've trained for and deserve! We are proud of the work of Congressman Rutherford to provide critical funding to Operation New Uniform, and organizations like ours, that work tirelessly on behalf of service men and women. For every 10 veterans that apply and complete our program, another 40 are turned away due to funding constraints. Operation New Uniform shares Congressman Rutherford's commitment to our veterans and we are grateful for his long-standing leadership and conscientious commitment to our veterans and our broader community. This is important legislation that will truly change the lives of veterans and we hope it will receive the support it needs to pass."

The Veterans Armed for Success Act has five original cosponsors, including Representatives Scott Peters (CA-52) and Collin Peterson (MN-07).

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