U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a bipartisan resolution last week seeking to establish the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship, a program offering a two-year Senate fellowship to wounded American veterans.
While a Wounded Warriors Fellowship currently exists in the House of Representatives, S. Res. 410 would create the first such program in the Senate. Rounds introduced the resolution with U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL).
“America’s veterans have gained valuable insight and expertise throughout their service to our nation,” Sen. Rounds said. “Our legislation would establish a program that can help veterans use those skills to help constituents and shape important policy that impacts the heroes who wear the uniform of the United States of America.”
According to the resolution text, the program will award up to 100 McCain-Mansfield Fellowships that will be distributed with at least one fellowship position per participating senator.
Each year, nearly 200,000 service members make the often stressful transition from military to civilian life. The McCain-Mansfield Fellowship provides veterans with service-related disabilities an opportunity to gain the experience needed to expand their career possibilities and work towards a more successful transition, a statement from Sen. Rounds’ office said.
“We have a number of veterans working in my Senate office, and I appreciate the unique perspective they bring to the job,” the senator added.
Rounds also noted that after veterans completed their fellowship, the legislation would create future employment opportunities.