U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) on June 22 led a bipartisan contingent to introduce the Retain Skilled Vets Act, which would help federal hiring become more competitive with private industry and help obtain the skilled technicians needed to maintain, equip and support next-generation weapon systems.
“It is essential that we attract and retain qualified and skilled veterans in our civilian workforce,” said Rep. Moore, who added that H.R. 4031 would “provide a pathway for most military veterans to immediately transition to civilian work and use their invaluable knowledge and skills to make our federal workforce stronger.”
Rep. Moore sponsored H.R. 4031 with 14 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Tom Cole (R-OK), Mike Turner (R-OH), and Ann Fitzpatrick (D-AZ).
If enacted, the measure would modify the restriction in section 3326 of title 5 of the United States Code related to the appointment of retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces to positions in the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to apply to positions at or above the GS-14 level, according to the text of the bill.
The change proposed in H.R. 4031 would permanently remove the existing requirement for retired United States military members to submit a waiver to work as a civilian employee at the DOD within 180 days of their retirement or separation for positions at the GS-13 level or below, according to information provided by Rep. Moore’s office.
The bill would enhance the federal government’s ability to quickly hire veterans after their departure from the military and offset its rapidly aging workforce and provide veterans with new pathways for employment, according to the information.
H.R. 4031 is supported by several organizations and stakeholders, including The Military Coalition.