GOP pushes for more veterans' support

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. military veterans need much more support, Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., said Saturday in the Republican party's weekly media address.

Heck is a medical doctor and Army veteran who served in Iraq at a combat hospital in 2008 and framed his speech for Friday's observance of Veteran's Day.

His address was less critical of President Barack Obama's Democratic administration and went so far as to be complimentary about bipartisanship on veteran affairs.

"Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which would provide training and assistance to unemployed veterans, and break down bureaucratic barriers preventing them from finding work," Heck said. "It's smart legislation that members of both parties support, and I'm pleased the Senate passed it."

The Democratic-controlled Senate passed the bill by a vote of 94-1, and the House passed its version by a vote of 418-6.

Heck said with the observance of Veterans Day gone by, the political impetus shouldn't diminish.

"With unemployment still much too high, we just can't wait to take bipartisan action that will help put Americans back to work," he said. "Together, we can rise above politics to make certain our nation remains great and worthy of our veterans' sacrifices."