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The House Veterans' Affairs Committee this week approved several pieces of legislation dealing with veterans' programs.

The Committee approved by voice vote the Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act (H.R. 1088), legislation to reduce from three years to one year the period of time during which local veterans' employment representatives must complete a required DOL training program. NASWA is following this legislation and discussing with VETS and Congressional staff. Click here to see H.R. 1088.

The Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act (H.R. 1089) reassigns the authority to investigate Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act claims against federal executive agencies to OSC. It was approved by voice vote with no amendments. The bill specifies the duty to investigate claims arising under USERRA for private sector workers would still lie with the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS).

The Committee also approved by voice vote the Wounded Veteran Job Security Act (H.R. 466), legislation to prohibit employment discrimination against wounded veterans. The bill would amend USERRA to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services.