Yavapai News

Rep. Eli Crane and Rep. Mike Levin have introduced the Hire Veterans Act to address staffing shortages in federal land management agencies by employing American veterans. The bill aims to strengthen the federal skilled labor force at agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Crane, a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and co-sponsor of the bill, expressed his understanding of the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and the difficulties federal land management agencies encounter in filling crucial vacancies. "With this bill, Congress has the opportunity to both streamline the employment process for veterans and better ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations," Crane stated.

Meanwhile, co-sponsor Rep. Levin emphasized the importance of providing workforce training and good-paying jobs to veterans. "Our bipartisan bill would expand opportunities for veterans and help connect them to jobs in federal land management agencies to care for our public lands and support their families," Levin said.

The legislation establishes a five-year pilot program to facilitate the appointment of veterans with the necessary skills and abilities to vacant positions at federal land management agencies. It also mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness to Congress.

Cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Mary Miller and Paul Gosar. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mike Braun and Kyrsten Sinema, with endorsements from various veterans' organizations.

The bipartisan Hire Veterans Act aims to not only address staffing shortages in federal land management agencies but also provide meaningful job opportunities for American veterans, ensuring the protection and stewardship of U.S. land for generations to come.