The House of Representatives has approved two bipartisan bills aimed at reforming and expanding education and workforce programs for veterans. The measures, H.R. 980, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act, and H.R. 1458, the VETS Opportunity Act, focus on modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill benefits, including updates to the Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program.
Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) stated, “We must continue to modernize the GI Bill to meet veterans’ needs so that today and tomorrow’s veterans can get high-paying jobs in in-demand fields across the country. I am proud of the two key education and workforce opportunity bills we passed out of the House this week, led by my friends and colleagues, Rep. Van Orden and Rep. Ciscomani, both with bipartisan support to accomplish that goal.” He added that House Republicans will keep advancing policies that make a difference in veterans’ lives by improving access to education and job training for servicemembers and their families.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) highlighted his personal connection as a retired Navy SEAL: “As a retired Navy SEAL, taking care of veterans is personal to me. No veteran should wait months for answers or fight through red tape to use the benefits they earned. Too many veterans get stuck waiting on paperwork and chasing answers just to access benefits they’ve already earned. My bill strengthens the Veterans Readiness and Employment program by putting more counselors on the ground, standing up a direct support hotline, and expanding training opportunities so veterans can transition faster and with confidence.”
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), representing nearly 80,000 veterans in Southern Arizona, emphasized flexibility in career paths: “As I represent nearly 80,000 veterans in Southern Arizona, I know firsthand when service members transition to civilian life, they bring discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic. Too often, the system limits how they can use the benefits they earned. The VETS Opportunity Act changes that by modernizing the GI Bill and expanding access to high-quality certificates and technical training programs, possibly offered in a hybrid format, that lead directly to good-paying jobs in high-demand fields. Not every veteran wants or needs a traditional four-year degree. Many want fast, skills-based training that connects them to careers in the trades, health care, technology, and other critical fields. This bill recognizes reality and gives veterans the flexibility to choose the path that works best for them and their families. This legislation empowers our nation’s veterans, strengthens our workforce, and honors the promise this country made to those who served. By strengthening education benefits we empower veterans build a stronger workforce,and drive a stronger economy.”
In addition to these bills focused on employment readiness for veterans through educational improvements—including greater counselor availability as well as expanded certificate options—the House also passed H.R. 3123 (the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act) concerning accrued benefits payments after death; as well as H.R. 658 which establishes qualifications for marriage & family therapists providing clinical supervision within VA health services.
