Sen. Charles Schumer wants to expedite hiring for border protection jobs by recruiting returning soldiers to fill them.

Schumer is sponsoring a bill that would require federal agencies to recruit qualified military service members for currently open positions as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

He says the bill seeks to address delays in hiring that have left border crossings understaffed, while giving veterans the opportunity to continue protecting their country.

Schumer says soldiers returning home to the North Country from overseas have the skills and training needed for these positions.

The senator will join local officials at the Plattsburgh International Airport Monday afternoon to promote the bill.

(AP)