Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) to expand workforce development services for United States service members, veterans and their spouses recently received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a larger military appropriations bill.
The House on Sept. 23 voted 316-113 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, H.R. 4350, which included Rep. Katko’s Onward to Opportunity Act, H.R. 4769, a measure inspired by programming offered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University in New York.
Rep. Katko’s H.R. 4769, which he introduced on July 28 with five original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), authorizes the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a pilot program that supports expansion of the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) Program, launched in 2015 by the IVMF and its philanthropic partners to supplement the DOD’s Transition Assistance Program, which helps prepare service members and veterans for civilian life.
“This [O2O] program has helped hundreds of military families achieve greater post-military career opportunities by providing access to free, self-paced training, industry-recognized certifications and job placement assistance,” Rep. Katko said during an Oct. 4 press conference held at IVMF. “My bill builds off the IVMF’s successes by supporting the expansion of Onward to Opportunity programs at five additional U.S. military bases.
“With this legislation, I’m aiming to make the transition to civilian life more seamless and ensure our military heroes have the opportunities they deserve,” said the congressman.
The new pilot program under H.R. 4769 requires DOD to partner with private organizations on existing and effective economic development and readiness programs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Katko’s staff.
“Making the jump to civilian life can be an extremely daunting prospect for military families, and unfortunately, I’ve heard from far too many families who have struggled to find economic opportunities following their service,” Rep. Katko said, noting that his bill will “improve this transition for military families.”