Former secretary of veterans affairs, Anthony Principi, has told the House Veterans Affairs economic opportunity subcommittee that “something is wrong” with the unemployment rate of younger veterans. The tally of 15 percent for veterans aged 20 to 24 runs about three times higher that that for non-vets in the same age group. The higher rate persists in spite of increases in GI Bill educational benefits and liberalization of on-the-job and apprenticeship benefits of the bill. Principi recommended a study to determine whether the unemployment is by choice or circumstances. He added that unemployment of veterans represents lost productivity and tax revenue, as well as lost personal financial assets and medical coverage, and increased family stress.