“MY GOAL IS TO MAKE THE VA FOCUS ON BEING MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF VETERANS”
 

Washington, Sep 29, 2010 -

“Throughout the nation, jobs are hard to come by – and it’s even harder to find a job if you are a veteran just exiting the service or a Guard or Reservist returning from deployment,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth), Vice Republican Leader on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.“Although the VA has created an online job portal to help veterans look for employment, as with many government run programs, the VA built one without thinking about the customer, our veterans.  The Vets Jobs Act (H.R. 3685) requires the VA to expand the employment resources on its website and directs the VA Secretary to promote the website, especially to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.”

Today, the House approved H.R. 3685, which requires the VA to develop a drop-down menu titled “Veterans Employment” on its homepage.The drop menu would have links to VetSuccess, USA Jobs, Job Central, and other appropriate employment sites.

Explained Stearns, “Although I have had discussions with the VA on this, they continue to miss the underlying reason for my bill: customer service and usability.  The VA should have a clear link that will take veterans to a listing of jobs based on zip code.  In addition, the VA currently highlights federal jobs, requiring veterans interested in private sector jobs to navigate 28 possible links to find those opportunities in the private sector.  Veterans should have a single drop-own menu to find federal and private sector jobs by zip code.”