news

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted in favor of H.R. 4124, the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2012, during today’s Subcommittee on Health markup. This bipartisan bill assists states with emergency medical technician (EMT) shortages to streamline and waive certification requirements that are duplicative for veterans who are already qualified military EMTs.  

“The current national unemployment rate is a great concern for all Americans, however the latest jobs report showed the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans at an alarming 10.9 percent. Finding employment has been a challenge for our young veterans and returning warriors, many of whom have desirable skills that can be translated into the civilian workforce,” said Latta.

Currently, there are no waivers or allowances for veteran EMTs, who have already completed training courses in the military, to forego equivalent training as required by the civilian licensure system.  These requirements create repetitive and unnecessary training for veteran EMTs, which only delay their entry into the civilian workforce.

“This legislation provides commonsense solutions to remove the roadblocks for veterans who already completed training and have the needed skills, as well as offer accessibility to jobs that utilize their military training.  Our veterans have honored their commitments to this nation and we must honor ours by assisting all veterans with the transition back to their civilian lives,” Latta concluded.

Congressman Bob Latta currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the Subcommittees on Communications and Technology, Environment and the Economy, and Health.

###