Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bill to Strengthen Civilian Defense Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Defense Workforce Integration Act, bipartisan legislation to create new civilian service pathways for individuals who are unable to serve in the military due to medical disqualifications.
Each year, over 62,000 young Americans are medically disqualified from joining the military, despite having the skills and drive to serve. In fact, 77 percent of 17 to 24-year-olds are ineligible for military service without a waiver, often for medical reasons unrelated to their ability to contribute meaningfully to national defense. At the same time, the defense workforce is facing critical shortages, including an estimated need for 100,000 new workers in the submarine industrial base alone over the next decade.
The Defense Workforce Integration Act directs the Department of Defense to establish a program connecting medically disqualified individuals, including entry-level recruits, with civilian employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities across the defense industrial base and other national security sectors such as cybersecurity, intelligence, disaster preparedness, and defense research and development.
The bill also establishes “warm hand-offs” for early-career servicemembers who had been disqualified during initial training, leverages existing transition programs, and requires the Navy to share Military Sealift Command career information during Transition Assistance. It further recognizes the Air Force’s DRIVE program as a successful model for redirecting talent and mandates a report to Congress within one year outlining the implementation plan. This bill ensures more Americans can contribute to our national security and help meet the workforce demands of today and tomorrow.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Don Bacon (NE-02), along with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Mike Rounds (SD). The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Kiggans and Panetta.
“I'm proud to have the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus for the Defense Workforce Integration Act,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “This bill is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: just because someone can't wear the uniform doesn't mean they can't serve. By creating new civilian pathways into our national defense workforce, we're opening the door for more Americans to answer the call to serve and strengthen our country in the process.”
“Every year, tens of thousands of young Americans who want to serve our country are medically disqualified from military service, leaving too much talent on the sidelines,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “The Defense Workforce Integration Act would ensure those individuals are informed, referred, and connected to civilian careers that support our national defense, from cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing. I’m proud that this group of Democrats and Republicans has endorsed this bipartisan bill, recognizing that opening new pathways to service strengthens our defense workforce, bolsters national security, and reinforces the American spirit of service.”
“For every young American who raises their hand to serve, we have a duty to find a path forward. The Defense Workforce Integration Act transforms disqualification into opportunity—tapping into a deep well of talent and patriotism that too often goes unused,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “By opening civilian defense pathways, we’re not just strengthening our national security workforce—we’re expanding what service looks like in the 21st century. This bipartisan effort is a win for our defense industrial base, a win for readiness, and a win for every young American who still wants to answer the call. I am proud our Caucus is supporting this bill, because expanding the opportunity to serve should never be a partisan issue—it should be a national priority.”
“This commonsense, bipartisan legislation ensures that patriotic young Americans who want to serve their country—but are medically disqualified from joining the military—still have a clear path to contribute to our national defense," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). "Whether it's in cybersecurity, intelligence, disaster preparedness, or shipbuilding, we need their talent. I’m proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed this effort. It reflects exactly what we’re about—putting partisanship aside to solve real problems and strengthen America’s readiness.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.