WASHINGTON – Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored the Retain Skilled Veterans Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01) to permanently remove the requirement for retired military members to submit a waiver to work as a civilian employee at the Department of Defense within 180 days of their retirement or separation for positions at the GS-13 level or below. 

“America’s service members are our country’s best and brightest, and our duty to them does not end when they return home,” said Rep. Owens. “The Retain Skilled Veterans Act will help veterans hit the ground running immediately after their military career and deploy their tactical and technical expertise in the civil service. I am proud to support this common-sense bill and will continue to be a strong advocate for America’s heroes at home in Utah and across the nation.” 

In 2020, the House Armed Services Committee improved veteran hiring by temporarily removing the “180-Day Rule” under a 2-year authority only for the Organic Industrial Base (Military Depots). The Retain Skilled Veterans Act furthers this progress by permanently repealing the rule across the Department of Defense for most positions.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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