Kaine Discusses First Bill in Lynchburg, Charlottesville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine participated in a roundtable with veterans in Lynchburg today to discuss the announcement of his first bill, the Troop Talent Act, which would improve and streamline credentialing for veterans. In the afternoon, Kaine gave a guest lecture to Dr. Larry Sabato’s class at the University of Virginia during which he reflected on his first few months as a Senator and outlined his bill that would help ease the transition of servicemembers from active duty to the civilian workforce by improving the alignment of skills acquired in the military with civilian certifications or licenses required for post-service employment.

During the roundtable discussion, Kaine focused on the employment barriers that many veterans face when trying to transfer the skills they acquired during service to the civilian workforce and described the ways his bill would address these challenges.

"We can't just accept a staggeringly high unemployment rate for our veterans," said Kaine. "We need to provide them information early and often that will pair their military specialties with the skills needed in the private sector."

Addressing students at UVA, Kaine described his experiences during his first three months as a Senator, emphasizing the importance of putting an end to the partisan intransigence and renewing his commitment to focusing on points of agreement between the two parties. 

"We might get along great and we might not. We might get along normally but be in a bad place today," said Kaine. "But if you can maintain a civility, a courtesy, and a respect in the way you treat other people then you don't close off the possibility for getting along better tomorrow."

This week, Kaine has visited Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, participated in a roundtable discussion with military families in Norfolk, toured Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, visited Fort Lee, toured CCAM and Rolls Royce manufacturing facilities in Prince George County, and announced his first Senate bill at American Legion Headquarters in Richmond. Since taking office in January, Kaine has traveled around the Commonwealth meeting with students, members of the defense community, educators and business owners. He will also travel to the Eastern Shore on Thursday and Friday.

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