Just in time for Veterans Day on Friday, the U.S. Senate actually managed to put aside partisanship aside and passed a jobs bill for veterans today.
The measure includes tax credits to encourage employers to hire veterans that were sought by Democrats and President Barack Obama, and also include job training enhancements called for by House Republicans.
It is the first part of Obama's broader jobs package to get through either chamber in Congress. After passing 95-0 in the Senate, it will go to the House as early as next week.
"The brave men and women who fight for our country shouldn't have to fight to find a good job when they return home. This bill will help veterans get the job training they need to build their careers while providing incentives to employers who put veterans to work," Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, said in a statement.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the top House Democrat, made clear her support for the bill, but also threw another jab at Republicans for blocking other parts of Obama's jobs plan, including money to prevent layoffs of teachers and public safety employees.
"President Obama has championed efforts to create jobs for our veterans; Senate Democrats led the way for this progress in their chamber; House Democrats have long supported a similar initiative to ensure jobs for our troops when they come home," Pelosi said in a statement. "Speaker Boehner should bring this legislation, and indeed the entire American Jobs Act, to the House floor for a vote without delay. Our veterans and all Americans can't wait."
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