WASHINGTON — The care and safety of veterans were at the forefront of two bills introduced this week by members of Minnesota's delegation.
Republican Rep. Tom Emmer introduced the Armed Forces Career Center Protection Act, which would require bullet proof glass on the windows and entry doors at all military recruiting centers nationwide, according to a press release.
The legislation comes after the July 16 shooting at an armed forces career center in Chattanooga, Tenn., that killed four U.S. Marines and a Navy sailor. The event has sparked conversations nationwide about safety of service members while at work, including a National Guard security meeting Wednesday in St. Paul.
Republican Rep. John Kline is a cosponsor of Emmer's bill.
"Congress needs to act," Emmer said in a statement. "This legislation would require improved security at our nation's recruiting offices. Our troops deserve to be protected wherever they are and this legislation is an important step in that direction."
Across the aisle, Democratic Rep. Tim Walz introduced legislation that would require the Department of Veteran Affairs to undergo biannual audits by a non-governmental entity, according to a release from his office.
The bill would require the audits to be available online and comes after a one-time, private sector audit of the VA health system was signed into law last year, according to the release.
