Rep. John Mannion on June 29 introduced the bipartisan Next Mission Act to create a Defense Department grant program for nonprofits helping service members and spouses move into civilian jobs.
The bill targets a transition gap affecting more than 200,000 people leaving military service each year, backing free employment services such as certifications, career counseling, job placement and one-on-one support.
Mannion said Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute helped inspire the measure through its Onward to Opportunity program, which has served more than 110,000 veterans and military spouses.
Rep. Nick LaLota co-led the legislation, which has endorsements from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hire Heroes USA, With Honor and Syracuse University’s veterans institute.
As veteran support laws multiply, how will the Next Mission Act deliver unique value instead of creating more bureaucracy?
With military spouse unemployment at 23%, can a new grant program finally break down interstate professional licensing barriers?
Are grants for nonprofits the best way to solve veteran unemployment, or do corporate hiring practices need to change first?
"Next Mission Act Introduced: Bipartisan DoD Grants to Support 200,000 Veterans’ Civilian Job Transitions"
Overview
The "Next Mission Act," introduced by Representatives John Mannion and Nick LaLota, proposes a new Department of Defense grant program to support nonprofit organizations that help service members transition to civilian life. Each year, about 200,000 service members face challenges finding stable jobs after leaving the military. Inspired by successful models like Syracuse University’s Onward to Opportunity, the Act aims to expand high-quality, free employment services nationwide. By funding nonprofits that offer career counseling and job placement, the Act addresses the critical need for robust support during this important transition.