Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Introduces ‘Next Mission Act’ to Help Military Personnel and Their Families Transition to Civilian Life

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today introduced the bipartisan Next Mission Act, legislation to help service members and military spouses successfully transition from military service to civilian careers. The bill is co-led by Representative Nick LaLota (R-NY).  

The Next Mission Act would establish a Department of Defense grant program to support nonprofit organizations that provide free, high-quality employment services to transitioning service members and military spouses. These services would supplement the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program by expanding access to industry-recognized certifications, career counseling, job placement assistance, and one-on-one support tailored to each participant’s background and goals.  

Representative John W. Mannion said, “We have a duty to support those who wore the uniform when they return to civilian life. The Next Mission Act is bipartisan, commonsense legislation that will help service members and military spouses access job training, career support, and employment services. Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families is a national leader in this work, and this bill will help bring proven programs like theirs to scale so more veterans can connect their skills, discipline, and leadership to the next mission in their lives.”  

Representative Nick LaLota said, "This Congress has come together time and again in a bipartisan way to support our Veterans, and I'm proud to keep that momentum going by cosponsoring the Next Mission Act. As a Navy Veteran, I recognize what so many Servicemembers give up for this country, and we owe them more than words when they come home. Ensuring our Veterans have a clear path to good-paying jobs is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor that sacrifice, and knowing the direct impact this bill would have right here in New York makes it all the more important."   

Each year, more than 200,000 service members complete their military service and return to civilian life. The Next Mission Act would help ensure they have the tools, training, and support needed to secure good-paying jobs, build long-term careers, and continue contributing to their communities after service.  

The legislation was inspired by the nationally recognized Onward to Opportunity program at Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which has helped service members, veterans, and military spouses earn industry-recognized credentials and connect with meaningful employment opportunities.  

The Next Mission Act is endorsed by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, With Honor, and Hire Heroes USA.  

Barb Carson, Managing Director, Programs & Policy, IVMF said, "The D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University applauds the bipartisan leadership behind the Next Mission Act. With over 110,000 served through our Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program, we have seen firsthand how industry-recognized training and career preparation can help service members and military spouses translate their skills into meaningful civilian employment. By expanding access to proven workforce development pathways and strengthening support during transition, this legislation represents an important step toward ensuring every service member and spouse is prepared for success in their next mission.”  

Joy Craig, Associate Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) said, “The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports the Next Mission Act, to strengthen the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program by expanding access to industry-recognized training and employment support for service members and their spouses. Transition is not the end of service. It’s the next mission. By empowering proven nonprofit partners to provide individualized, results-driven career preparation, this legislation would move us closer to ensuring every service member and spouse is fully equipped to thrive in the civilian workforce.”  

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