Grand Canyon Times

Last week, Representatives Eli Crane and Mike Levin reintroduced the Hire Veterans Act. This legislation aims to employ American veterans while bolstering the federal skilled labor force, specifically within the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Federal land management agencies have faced staffing shortages over the past decade, affecting their operational effectiveness. The U.S. Forest Service has particularly struggled with attracting and retaining staff due to a gap in experience and skill sets among candidates, impacting their ability to address wildfire threats.

The Hire Veterans Act seeks to strengthen the federal skilled labor pipeline for veterans by streamlining the hiring process for those aiming to protect natural resources. It establishes a five-year pilot program directing federal land management agencies to conditionally appoint veterans who demonstrate necessary skills for specific vacant positions.

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

Rep. Crane emphasized his personal connection as a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy: “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." He also highlighted challenges faced by federal land management agencies in filling vacancies for key roles like firefighters and park rangers: "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 underscored their shared commitment: “Our veterans sacrifice so much for our nation. We have an obligation to ensure that veterans returning to civilian life can get jobs and support their families.” He expressed his partnership with Rep. Crane on this bipartisan initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for veterans: “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation.”