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Posted on 02/27/2015 3:01:50 PM PST by SoConPubbie
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is better known for blocking federal employees from working than he is for helping them get a job.
The man often cited as the architect of the 2013 government shutdown is, perhaps, attempting to change that perception. Cruz and Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., have backed a measure to give certain individuals an advantage when applying for federal positions.
The 2015 Military Reserve Jobs Act would provide members of the National Guard and reservists a leg up when starting up careers in the civil service by making them eligible for veterans’ preference. While federal agencies have largely ditched the veterans point system -- as part of an Office of Personnel Management reform in 2010 -- in favor of a category-based approach, the bill would enable a reservist to claim a two or three-point preference, depending on length of service.
“Our nation has asked much of its armed forces during the past 14 years of conflict, and our reserve and National Guard components have performed exceptionally,” Cruz said. “It is due to their contributions that the United States has been able to provide an unprecedented level of sustained combat capability. Americans who serve in the reserves or National Guard should receive appropriate access and opportunity for federal employment in recognition of their patriotic sacrifice.”
Only current reservists would qualify for the hiring preference under the proposal. National Guardsmen or reservists would receive a two-point preference for serving six years of satisfactory service, while those serving 10 years of satisfactory service would receive a three-point preference. Currently, reservists who never deploy are not eligible for any hiring preference.
Cruz and Donnelly said 44 percent of Army National Guard soldiers and 70 percent of National Guard airmen do not qualify for any advantage when applying for civilian federal jobs.
“These men and women have shown their commitment to protecting our national security and public safety by joining the National Guard or reserves, and deserve preference in the federal hiring process,” Donnelly said. “This bipartisan bill respects the unique service and sacrifice of our overseas combat veterans, while recognizing the contributions of Guard members and Reservists.”
Federal hiring preference for veterans has received some criticism in recent years, with detractors arguing it makes the process overly convoluted. In a recent survey conducted by Government Executive’s research arm, 68 percent of respondents said vets’ preference sometimes prevents the best candidate from receiving the job.
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CRUZ or LOSE!Brilliant minds will come up with ideas that shine in their simplicity. Three cheers to Ted Cruz!
How can anyone vote against this?
I thought this was already the law
I have a veteran’s preference and I don’t think it ever helped me get a federal job. I’ve applied for lots of them. As far as I can see it’s just ignored and they fudge the numbers any way they want.
I agree it is a great idea! I was under the impression veterans received a "veteran's preference" for federal hiring, but that was years ago and probably erased by draft dodgers like comrade klinton.
Now as who would vote against it - think sheila jackson lee, al franken, and at least a half dozen other dem commies.
That is already the law, but many human resources people in the federal government want to hire who they want to hire (affirmative action, homosexuals, foreigners, transgenders, etc.) so they just ignore the law.
Good for Ted Cruz.
National Guardsmen and Reservists should receive hiring points for federal jobs, especially now that so many are subject to being called for active duty.
problem with it is that many in HR never served and would rather have a college gimp like themselves working at the company
As I understand it, this measure is for reservists, not veterans. I agree this is a brilliant idea, as most of the reserves I have met are solid, conservative people. Seeing how the government seems to be infested now with far left liberals/progressive, it would be great to see some good people in the government.
Most in HR are female or metrosexual.
With the right men in the White House there wouldn’t need to be any federal government hiring for at least 10 years.
I would have thought so, too, but apparently there is a gap in the system that affects Guard/Reserves. I don’t know the details, but I see plenty of Reservists inprocess where I work.
Trust me I have found that out by applying for jobs
I have been selected at least 5 times and declined to interview one other time because I had just accepted a job I preferred. I didn’t know any the hiring officials, although at least one worked with someone who knew me from my military time.
The preference plus the resume/qualifications get you on the cert (the selection roster.) They can fudge the numbers some, especially if they have someone they know on the roster, but in my experience they mostly evaluate resumes, check references, and conduct interviews.
1. disagreement between people.
If no discord between voters, why bother having candidates? Why don't we just coronate your choice as supreme ruler over the land of the enslaved and the home of the fearful?
(Actually, a majority of electoral voters tried that with Obama and look where it got us)
Sorry SoConPubbie. My reply was put in the wrong thread. It’s meant for Skeeter and Cincinatus’ Wife.
More vets, less Ivy League.
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