U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has announced that her legislation to make sure returning servicemembers have access to community resources when they transition back to civilian life passed the Senate as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
The House is expected to take up its version of the National Defense Authorization Act in the coming weeks and both chambers will then work on a conference agreement.
Stabenow’s legislation would allow servicemembers to opt into a system that will send their contact information to their respective State Veterans Affairs Agency. This system will ensure that returning servicemembers and their families are properly connected to local community groups that can provide employment, healthcare, and other transition services.
Stabenow’s legislation directs the Department of Defense to ensure that servicemembers receive regular information at different points in their military careers about professional development and education opportunities. The bill also creates greater accountability by requiring the Defense Department to ask veterans about their transition experience on a regular basis.
*Information courtesy of a press release from the office of Senator Stabenow’s Office*
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