Included in the massive spending bill to keep the government running through the end of September that was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on May 5, 2017, is a short section that establishes a new recognition program for employers that meet certain goals related to hiring and retaining veterans.
The measure, formally titled the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017, or the “HIRE Vets Act,” is very similar to the bill passed by the House of Representatives in February. The legislation creates a medallion program, to be administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), under which employers can seek recognition for exemplary efforts in employing veterans. Employers that are awarded a medallion will be formally announced annually by the president in conjunction with Veterans Day events.
A copy of the HIRE Vets Act as signed into law by President Trump is available here. Additionally, DOL issued a press release announcing the program.
Members of the Equal Employment Advisory Council (EEAC) can read more here.