Senate to debate veterans' jobs bill

WASHINGTON - The Senate overwhelmingly agreed to debate President Obama's Veterans Jobs Corps legislation, which would provide $1 billion over the next five years to hire 9/11-era vets for public works jobs and give them preference for police and firefighter positions.

Veterans from the 9/11 era have a consistently higher unemployment rate - 10.9 percent for August - than the national rate of 8.1 percent.

Tuesday's vote to bring the bill to the Senate floor was 95-1. Democrats led the effort, which came on the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks. Although Republicans agreed to begin debate, it is unclear whether they will vote for it later this week.

Republicans have opposed any new taxes and may be uncomfortable imposing a levy on tax-delinquent Medicare providers and suppliers, which would cover part of the cost of the Vets Jobs Corps. GOP senators also want a chance to offer amendments.

Few Senate Republicans spoke in support of the bill Tuesday.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D., Fla.), its author, said passage was the least Congress could do for veterans. "These folks have already done the tough, tough jobs," said Nelson, who is in a reelection battle against Republican Rep. Connie Mack. "We need to give them as many opportunities as possible to succeed when they get back home."

Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada said he would vote to begin debate, but said veterans are struggling to find work because of Obama's "failed policies."

"It's time to look our veterans in the eyes and ask, 'Is this working?' " said Heller, who is also in a tough reelection campaign against Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley. "The bill we are taking up this week is an acknowledgment that the policies of the past four years have not worked."

The legislation is part of Obama's to-do list for Congress - a modest set of proposals unveiled earlier this year to spur the economy and improve the stubborn unemployment rate. Republicans have largely dismissed the initiative.

The Veterans Jobs Corps would provide $1 billion over the next five years to hire up to 20,000 vets for public lands projects and give veterans preference for police and firefighting positions.

Job centers would be established in the states, providing veterans with computers and Internet access to search for work. States would be required to consider the skills and training vets acquired in the military for professional certification and licensing programs.