WHEREAS, The federal Wounded Warrior Program was established in 2008 by the United States House of Representatives to create employment opportunities in the United States House of Representatives for wounded or disabled veterans returning from military service; and

WHEREAS, The federal program is intended to serve as an example to businesses that wounded or disabled veterans are capable of performing great work and being productive employees; and

WHEREAS, The federal program makes available fifty fellowship positions around the United States in the district offices of Members of the United States House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, The two-year federal fellowships provide veterans with experience and exposure to broaden their career opportunities. Whenever possible, the veterans selected to participate in the federal program are given the opportunity to transition into full-time employment; and

WHEREAS, A person is eligible to participate in the federal program if he or she served on active duty since September 11, 2001, has fewer than 20 years of military service, and has received either a Memorandum Rating of 30 percent or greater from his or her service Physical Evaluation Board or a VA service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or greater; and

WHEREAS, The unemployment rate for disabled veterans is markedly higher than the general population; and

WHEREAS, The Council of Economic Advisors published a study in November 2013 indicating that the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans stands at ten percent and increases to 12.5 percent for those with major disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The federal program has been a tremendous success during the six years that it has been in existence and has opened new career paths to many wounded and disabled veterans; now, therefore, be it