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Knight Introduces Bipartisan Veteran Employment Act

Rep. Steve Knight, R-Santa Clarita, introduced the Encouraging Veteran Employment Act of 2018 — a bill that would give preference to companies with more employees that are veterans when handing out government contracts.


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H.R. 5177 would expand upon pre-existing parameters for companies looking to acquire Department of Defense (DOD) contracts.

“Under current law, the Department of Defense is authorized to give preferential selection to women-owned and veteran-owned businesses for DOD contracts,” Knight said in a statement. “The Encouraging Veteran Employment Act would authorize the department to give the same preferential treatment to businesses that employ veterans as a large percentage of their workforce.”

The new bill follows suit with a number of other veterans’ care projects that Knight has dedicated much of his time in office to, with this particular bill having been inspired by a local Santa Clarita organization.

Related: Congressman Knight Hosts Community Round Table For School Safety

“This idea sprang from a visit to the Lifton Institute for Media Arts & Sciences (LIMS) Studio in Castaic,” said Knight. “Jimmy Lifton and his team run an outstanding program that trains transitioning service members in movie production skills to prepare them for successful civilian careers after their time in the military.”

For years now, LIMS has provided a free education and curriculum for veterans that teach every production line job in the industry, from makeup and set design to post production, according to LIMS officials. LIMS then assists those newly trained veterans with job placement and career leads once they have completed their film program.

The bill that assists veterans and businesses that employ veterans is not only seen as a proactive approach to tackling the issue of Veteran unemployment, but is also significant because it has generated a rarity in contemporary D.C. politics: bipartisan support.

The Encouraging Veteran Employment act is co-led by Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-FL).

“Military servicemembers risk their lives to keep our nation safe and have earned the opportunity to succeed once they decide to leave the armed forces and enter the civilian workforce,” said Rep. Murphy. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Knight to introduce bipartisan legislation to support those employers who make the effort to hire and retain our nation’s veterans.”

Related: Knight Reaffirms Support For Russia Investigation, Mueller Probe

Knight said that the motivation for this bill not only stemmed from an appreciation for the service of former military members, but also assists the private sector, because veterans have skills — “such as excelling in team environments, leadership skills and perseverance through adversity” — that would be assets to any employer.

“However, statistics show that veterans still disproportionately struggle with unemployment,” said Knight. “By creating more incentive for contractors to hire veterans, we can ensure these valuable skills and insight are brought to our workforce while also creating more avenues for our nation’s heroes to establish successful civilian careers.”

The bill was introduced to the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, and depending on actions taken by the leadership there in terms of amendments and approvals, the bill would then move onto the House floor for a vote.

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Knight Introduces Bipartisan Veteran Employment Act

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About Caleb Lunetta

Caleb has been a Santa Clarita resident for most of his life. After attending Hart High School, Caleb went on to study political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara along with College of the Canyons.