Date: 2012-05-30
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

The head of my airport. Bush Intercontinental Airport. Colonel Testa. is retired military. The law specifies certain rank for individuals who serve in the uniformed services. including those in the Reserves or the National Guard who are called to duty. I join with my colleagues to support this legislation to ensure that TSA complies with USERRA. Just 2 days ago we celebrated Memorial Day. and I would offer to say that we must continue to support our veterans but also mourn those who are lost. but in their name. its important to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to debate H.R. 3670. "To require the Transportation Security Administration to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act." The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) ensures that our valued citizens who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. Reserves. National Guard or other "uniformed services" are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service. Under current law. the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is not required to comply with certain provisions of federal labor laws. including USERRA. This is not right. Currently the TSA. which has more than 50.000 employees. is not required to hold positions and promotions for employees who are called away for military service. 10.000 veterans serve on the TSAs workforce. That is 1/s or 20 percent of their entire workforce. The law specifies certain rights for individuals who serve in the uniformed services. including those in the reserves or the National Guard who are called to active duty. In particular. USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of military service or obligation and protects covered individuals rights to be reemployed upon returning from duty. H.R. 3670 requires the TSA to comply with USERRA. According to TSA. the agencys existing policies regarding individuals who leave TSA to undertake uniformed service are already consistent with USERRA. We want to make absolutely sure that our veterans. servicemen. and future soldiers are protected by the laws that govern our great Nation. We have to ensure that they are taken care of. They are courageous enough to defend. and sometimes give their lives for the United States. We should do what we can to honor their bravery. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 3670 would not significantly affect the TSAs costs nor would enacting the bill affect direct spending or revenues. I strongly support our troops and the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. After their honorable service they should not have to face obstacles in finding civilian employment due to their service. We must do everything in our power to ensure Members of our Armed Services are discriminated against based upon past. present. or future military service. They have sacrificed for their country and when they return to their civilian life that sacrifice should be honored not viewed as a negative. The federal government should be a "model employer" under USERRA. which is why H.R. 3670 is such a vital piece of legislation. Again. I urge you to honor the sacrifice of our troops.