Lowey Joins Veterans Job Caucus

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester), the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on Monday when she announced her participation in the newly-formed Veterans Job Caucus. The bipartisan group of legislators in Congress formed to address joblessness among the country’s veterans.

“Given all that our veterans have sacrificed for our nation, it is unacceptable that so many of them are unable to find work,” said Lowey. “We have an obligation to care for our veterans, and that means ensuring they are able to secure good-paying jobs that take advantage of their unique abilities and skills. It is only right that they have access to the job resources they need as they make the transition home.” 

Among post-9/11 veterans nationwide, the unemployment rate remains higher than the national average, and it is estimated there are currently 800,000 unemployed veterans nationwide as well as 60,000 homeless veterans.

“With all the challenges our veterans face, I was pleased that President Obama’s budget request included a proposal for a new Transition Assistance Program that would help our veterans adjust to civilian life after completing their service, and increased funding to support ongoing efforts to end veteran homelessness and reduce the shameful backlog in the VA Health Care System,” added Lowey. 

Congresswoman Lowey supported the largest increasing in funding for veterans in history, and co-sponsored and voted for the expansion of the G.I. Bill. She was also an early supporter of the Wounded Warriors Assistance Project, which was subsequently signed into law.  She has also cosponsored legislation allowing those entitled to the Survivor Benefit Plan to receive full Survivor benefits and allowing the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans'   disability compensation for any service-connected disability.