Sinema backs bill to bring wounded warrior program to Senate
AZ Republic
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is backing a bill to establish a wounded warrior program in the U.S. Senate and provide veterans with an opportunity to work in congressional offices nationwide.
The bill was inspired by late Sens. John McCain, who was injured and held as a prisoner during the Vietnam War, and Mike Mansfield, a majority leader from Montana who served during World War I.
The “McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program” would give up to 100 two-year fellowships to veterans with service-connected disabilities, according to information provided by Sinema’s press secretary, Hannah Hurley.
Each state would receive two fellows, working out of a senator’s Washington, D.C. or state office.
“Arizona veterans earned the opportunity to succeed as they transition to civilian life,” said Sinema, D-Ariz., in a press release Monday. “Our bipartisan Wounded Warrior Program, inspired by Arizona hero John McCain, empowers Arizona veterans to continue serving our nation while providing them with professional opportunities.”
To qualify for the proposed fellowship, veterans must have been honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years and have a 20% or more service-connected disability rating, according to background from Hurley.
Sens. Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., introduced the bill while Sens. Angus King, Jr., I-ME, and Gary Peters, D-Mich., are also listed as cosponsors, according to Congress.gov.