Pelosi Statement on Passage of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House passed the “VOW to Hire Heroes Act.” Part of President Obama’s American Jobs Act, this legislation creates tax credits to encourage businesses to hire service members and those with service-related disabilities. The bill also provides veterans with the training they need to find a job in civilian life. This measure already passed the Senate and President Obama is expected to sign it into law:

“America’s men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to preserve our security, protect our values, and promote freedom worldwide. The single best action we can take to honor their service and support our veterans is to create jobs. With passage of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, we have upheld that charge – reigniting the American dream and building ladders of opportunity for our nation’s heroes; serving our troops as well as they have served us.

“After pressure from Democrats in Congress, House Republican leaders had no choice but to bring this bill – part of President Obama’s American Jobs Act – to the floor. But passing a Democratic jobs bill doesn’t change the facts: after 314 days in the majority, House Republicans still refuse to offer a clear jobs agenda.

“Today’s vote is a victory for our veterans, our economy, and our prosperity. America’s service members are highly-skilled; they have demonstrated enormous leadership in the heat of battle. And with this bill, America will welcome our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen back into their communities as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and workers.”

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