A bill backed by a Florida congressman to help members of the National Guard with employment rights is gaining traction on Capitol Hill.
At the end of July, U.S. Rep. Max Rose, D-NY, introduced a bill amending the “Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act” (USERRA) which would “include National Guard service members when they are called up for State Active Duty (SAD) orders” and these “USERRA protections would require employers to put National Guard members back to work in their civilian jobs after service.”
Last week, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., threw his support behind the proposal which also cleared the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee.
“Through this year with COVID-19, riots, and now an extremely active hurricane season, our National Guard members have risen to the challenge,” Steube said. “While these dedicated men and women serve our country during times of crisis, the last thing they should worry about is blowback from their employers. Our legislation will stand up for these heroes and give them the respect they deserve during difficult times.”
“This year, SAD orders have been issued for wide-ranging events, including COVID-19 response, protests, and hurricane preparedness and response,” the congressman’s office noted. “This week, 125 Florida National Guard troops have been deployed to the Panhandle to assist in recovery efforts following Hurricane Sally.”
Steube is the only congressman to co-sponsor the proposal
There is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
