On Tuesday, California Congressman Paul Cook announced that his bill, the HIRE Vets Act, was passed unanimously on the House floor. The HIRE Vets Act includes legislation that promotes private sector employers to recruit, hire, and retain U.S. Veterans looking for employment during their life after service. The bipartisan bill specifically creates an awards program for companies who actively hire and retain retired military members in which they’re recognized for their efforts in helping the approximately 7% of the nations workforce that is made up of veterans. 
“I’m pleased to announce that the House passed my bill, HR 3286, the HIRE Vets Act,” Rep. Cook wrote on his Facebook page.” The HIRE Vets Act is an opportunity for Americans to see which companies truly live up to the employment promises they make to veterans. Veterans who serve this country honorably shouldn’t struggle to find employment, and this bill creates an innovative system to encourage and recognize employers who make veterans a priority in their hiring practices.”
In a press release, Rep. Cook wrote that once the bill was fully established it would be a self-funded program within the U.S. Department of Labor that would issue “HIRE Vets Medallions” to companies who make “critical contributions” to the country’s veterans in the workforce. The participating businesses would be able to display the medallions on their products and marketing materials to proudly disclose their involvement with the nation’s retired service members. Gold and Platinum Presidential Awards will be issued to employers that reach certain levels of hiring and retention goals each year. Small to mid-sized companies with less than 500 employees can also participate in the program but will have a different similar tiered award system.
The Secretary of Labor will be tasked with overseeing the companies involved in the program by providing annual reports of participating employers success in hiring and retention on an annual basis.
Rep. Paul Cook
According to the press release, Rep. Cook said, “Our veterans have displayed great courage in serving their country, and they’ve acquired distinctive skills that make them ideal candidates for employment. So as a combat veteran myself, I’m deeply concerned that the men and women of our Armed Forces continue to struggle to find jobs upon returning to civilian life.”
“The HIRE Vets Act is an opportunity for Americans to see which companies truly live up to the employment promises they make to veterans. Veterans who serve this country honorably shouldn’t struggle to find employment, and this bill creates an innovative system to encourage and recognize employers who make veterans a priority in their hiring practices,” Congressman Cook continued.
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