WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Greg Walden co-sponsored two bills during the first week of the new congress.  One helps veterans find jobs.  "The first bill we passed is the 'Hire More Heroes' bill -- exempting these veterans.  We reduce costs and confusion for small businesses and thereby help create new opportuniteis for members of our military as they return to civilian life," said Walden.  The bill would exempt veterans already receiving healthcare by the Veterans Adminsitration or the Department of Defense from being counted as part of the employee limit under the new healthcare law.

The House also passed a bill sponsored by Walden that would define a full time employee as a person who works 40 hours a week, not 30. Walden says the former definition puts Americans workers at risk of having their hours and wages cut.