Deluzio, King, Banks, LaLota Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Information about Veterans Resources into the Workplace

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Co-Chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus and Iraq War veteran, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), was joined by Senator Angus King (I-ME) to announce the introduction of the Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act. By requiring a poster of veterans’ resources and benefits in the workplace, this legislation will help more of America’s veterans get healthcare and benefits that they have earned through their service. The bill is also co-sponsored by Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) and Co-Chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01).

The bipartisan, bicameral bill was named in memory of former United Steelworkers International President and Air Force veteran Tom Conway, who dedicated his life fighting for Steelworkers, veterans, and their families.  

Attending today’s bill announcement event in the United States Capitol were United Steelworkers (USW) members and leadership including International President David McCall, International Vice President at Large / International President-elect Roxanne Brown, and members of the Conway family. 

Specifically, the Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act would: 

• Require the Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs to create a printable notice containing state and federal veterans’ resources for employers to post in the workplace. 
  • The notice will include information on the Veterans Crisis Line, information on how to apply for VA benefits, and state benefits available to veterans.
• Require both government and non-government employers with over 50 employees to post this information prominently in the workplace. 

“My fellow veterans signed a blank check to this country, and in return, our government makes a sacred promise to deliver the care and benefits that they've earned,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I'm proud to join with my colleagues and so many Steelworkers today to introduce the Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act—an important step to help bring informative resources about veterans’ rights and benefits into the workplace.” 

“Veterans have sacrificed greatly in service to our country so we owe it to them to make it as easy as possible to find information about the resources and benefits that are available to them,” said Senator King. “The Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act will require employers to display posters with information about state and federal veteran benefits like the Veterans Crisis Line, disability compensation, healthcare, workforce training programs, legal services, and more. This legislation is an easy, low-barrier way to ensure Maine veterans – and veterans across the country – are aware of the resources they have earned and could help veterans feel comfortable gaining access to those services.” 

“As a Navy Veteran, I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral legislation because too many men and women who served our country struggle in silence, unsure where to turn for support. This commonsense law is a practical, straightforward step to make information on benefits and mental health support accessible where Veterans work, honoring their sacrifice with action and helping ensure no Veteran is left behind,” said Rep. Nick LaLota. 

“The USW applauds Rep. Deluzio, Rep. LaLota, Senator King, and Senator Banks’ work on behalf of our veterans, in particular their introduction of the Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act,” said USW International President David McCall. “This essential legislation is intended to help veterans better access the support they need and will undoubtedly save lives. Our late International President Tom Conway, who proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, for decades fought tirelessly on behalf of active and retired military members, and I know he would be honored to continue to be a part of this vital work.”

Along with the United Steelworkers International Union (USW), the Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act is endorsed by the following unions: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), Communication Workers of America (CWA), Iron Workers International, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO. 

Full text of the bill as introduced is available here. 

Photos and video of the event are available here. 

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