STEARNS' PROPOSAL INCLUDED IN AMENDMENT TO LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS ACT

Washington, Jun 24, 2005 - "I appreciate the support of my fellow House members for my proposal to increase funding for these programs serving our nation's veterans," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "We enjoy the freedoms we have through the sacrifice of our veterans and they deserve our support."

The House today approved Stearns' proposal to amend H.R. 3010 and increase funding for veterans programs by $2.5 million; $2 million for the Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program and $500,000 for Labor's National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute. This $2.5 million was transferred from AmeriCorps grants. The House later approved the amended bill, H.R. 3010, the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

Added Stearns, "This is about priorities. Although AmeriCorps is making a difference among its participants and the people they serve, we must address homelessness and the need for job training among our veterans. This $2.5 million means little to promoting volunteerism, but will make a difference for men and women who served in our armed forces who need assistance. In our own community, Marion County Veterans Services, led by Director Jeffrey Askew, or non-profit volunteer groups such as 'Vets Helping Vets,' led by Hank Whittier, are eligible to benefit from this funding. I have followed the efforts of these two groups over the years, and am glad I redirected Federal funding to help such organizations."