Alexandria — U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-8-ILL), with American Legion Post 24 Commander Bill Aramony, hosted a discussion with nearly 80 veterans, business leaders and support organizations last month at the Post on Kaine's first bill, the Troop Talent Act, and the next steps for the bipartisan legislation. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, first introduced the bipartisan bill in early April to address the challenges service members face during their transition into civilian life and employment. With the veteran unemployment rate among returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans higher than the national average, the Troop Talent Act will increase access for service members to traditional and high-demand career fields such as information technology by streamlining the alignment of military skills acquired in active duty with civilian credentials. Duckworth, a veteran of the war in Iraq and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced a companion bill in the House in late April.