Baucus says goals include more help for vets

HELENA — U.S. Sen. Max Baucus is announcing priorities that include more help for jobless veterans, energy development and renewed focus on fixing the nation's debt.

AP Photo/The Independent Record, Dylan Brown

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus addresses the Montana Legislature Thursday afternoon,in the House Chambers in Helena.

Baucus also says his New Year's resolution is to bring the troops home from Afghanistan after 11 years fighting in that country.

Baucus spoke to the Montana Legislature on Thursday. The state's senior senator is up for re-election in 2014.

The Democrat says he will be "declaring war on veteran unemployment" by ensuring that military trade certifications are accepted in the civilian world.

Baucus also said that 2013 needs to be the year that the Keystone XL pipeline is authorized and built, and said Congress needs to "get serious about tackling our debt."