On Monday, I am honored to co-host, with Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma, a special ceremony recognizing the children of service members killed in Iraq. In 2006, a new American tradition was created- a Gold Medal of Remembrance to be given to each child who lost a parent in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Gold Medal, created by the White House Commission on Remembrance, is a reminder to everyone that a loss on the battlefield is also a terrible loss at home. It is the first medal of its kind to recognize the children of America's fallen.

Wednesday morning, my Committee on Veterans' Affairs will hold an oversight hearing on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA. I am particularly concerned about the number of USERRA claims being brought by returning servicemembers in connection with their employment in the federal workforce.

This is the latest in a series of hearings I have held regarding veterans' employment issues. I will continue to conduct oversight in this area, because the brave men and women who fight for our country shouldn't have to fight for to get their jobs back when they return from combat.