(Washington, DC) – Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5177 on Tuesday, the Encouraging Veteran Employment Act of 2018. Under current law, the Department of Defense is authorized to give preferential selection to women-owned and veteran-owned businesses for DOD contracts.

The Encouraging Veteran Employment Act would authorize the Department to give the same preferential treatment to businesses that employ veterans as a large percentage of their workforce.

“This idea sprang from a visit to LIMS Studio in Castaic,” said Rep. Knight “Jimmy Lifton and his team run an outstanding program that trains transitioning service members in movie production skills to prepare them for successful civilian careers after their time in the military. On top of their stellar job placement rate, many of their staff are veterans themselves.”

The Encouraging Veteran Employment act is co-led by Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-FL).

“Military servicemembers risk their lives to keep our nation safe and have earned the opportunity to succeed once they decide to leave the armed forces and enter the civilian workforce,” said Rep. Murphy “The men and women of our military learn valuable skills and develop unique leadership qualities that make them an asset to employers. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Knight to introduce bipartisan legislation to support those employers who make the effort to hire and retain our nation’s veterans.”

“Our veterans offer unique experience that their civilian counterparts don’t. They often excel in team environments, leadership skills, and perseverance through adversity.” Said Rep. Knight “However, statistics show that veterans still disproportionately struggle with unemployment. By creating more incentive for contractors to hire veterans, we can ensure these valuable skills and insight are brought to our workforce while also creating more avenues for our nation’s heroes to establish successful civilian careers.”