Passage of bill opens jobs for veterans

An American Legion backed bill to streamline the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for qualified military servicemembers has gone to the desk of President Obama for his signature.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 6456, the Military CDL Act of 2012. The legislation is a companion to S. 3624, which passed the Senate on Sept. 21. American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz sent a letter of support for the legislation to House sponsor Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.

"With the economy continuing to struggle," read Koutz’s letter, "and many Americans facing unemployment, The American Legion is committed to supporting job opportunities for all veterans and military members. This bill would remove a barrier which some military members needlessly face: barring of the receipt of a CDL by an individual who is not domiciled in the state. By carving out an exception for individuals who are stationed, temporarily or permanently, in a state due to military service, this bill moves toward the goal of ensuring that no one who has served be unable to secure gainful employment."

Legion support of the Military CDL Act of 2012 was a component of the veterans service organization’s ongoing campaign to remove barriers to civilian certification and licensing currently impeding qualified veterans. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law within a few days.