Kilmer Introduces Anti-Discrimination Bill For Veterans

One federal lawmaker from Gig Harbor wants to help make sure that anyone who serves this country can find a job when he or she returns home.

After hearing from servicemembers and veterans who have experienced discrimination when seeking employment and housing opportunities, Rep. Derek Kilmer today introduced H.R. 2654 the Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013, a bill that would prohibit discrimination against veterans and servicemembers seeking employment or housing opportunities.

This bipartisan legislation - co-sponsored by Representatives Jim Renacci of Ohio and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois - was also introduced today in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

“If you fight for our country, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job when you come home,” said Representative Kilmer. “I’ve worked with a coalition of veterans from all generations to fight for our servicemembers and veterans at the state level and now I’m proud to work at the federal level to ensure that military status isn’t used against anyone looking for a home or a job."

“Shamefully, veterans who served our country return from deployment and too often struggle to find a job or a place to call home,” Blumenthal said. “By making military service a protected status, this bill will ensure that those who sacrificed to keep us safe are not discriminated against when they return home.”

Stewart Hickey, AMVETS National Executive Director, said “AMVETS is appreciative of Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Kilmer’s leadership in introducing this important and long overdue legislation that will grant American veterans freedom from discrimination in both the workplace and housing. The same rights these veterans fought to preserve for their fellow Americans will now be afforded to them upon passage of this bill.”

The Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013 will add to anti-discrimination laws for housing and employment to ensure that military status isn’t used against anyone looking for a home or a job. The bill will provide comprehensive assistance to veterans of all eras and provide legal recourse for those who choose to seek it.

Kilmer passed similar legislation at the state level after hearing testimony from veterans describing instances of discrimination based off their military or veteran status. This bill would provide the same protections for all servicemembers and veterans at the federal level. The Servicemember and Veterans Employment Rights and Housing Act is endorsed by AMVETS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Guard Association of the United States.

-Office of Congressman Derek Kilmer