Yavapai News

Rep. Eli Crane and Rep. Mike Levin have reintroduced the Hire Veterans Act, aiming to employ American veterans while enhancing the federal skilled labor force in land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

For over a decade, these agencies have experienced staffing shortages that affect their operational efficiency. The U.S. Forest Service has faced challenges in attracting and retaining staff with the necessary experience and skills, which impacts their ability to handle increasing wildfire threats.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the pipeline for veterans into federal skilled labor roles by simplifying the hiring process for positions that protect natural resources. A five-year pilot program will allow conditional appointments of veterans who demonstrate required skills for specific vacancies within these agencies.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Office of Personnel Management, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs and federal land management agencies, submit an annual report to Congress on the program's effectiveness until its conclusion.

Rep. Crane highlighted his personal connection to both veteran transition challenges and land management agency staffing issues: "As a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, I’m all too familiar with the obstacles servicemen and women face when transitioning to civilian life... 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."

Rep. Levin emphasized support for veterans' employment: "Our veterans sacrifice so much for our nation... I’m glad to be partnering with Rep. Crane on our bipartisan bill to expand opportunities for veterans and help connect them to jobs in federal land management agencies."