Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 982, the Warriors to Workforce Act; H.R. 2878, the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act; H.R. 4105, the VET Act of 2025; H.R. 5634, the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025; Discussion Draft: the CRUISE Act; Discussion Draft: the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act; Discussion Draft: the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act; Discussion Draft: the Affordable Housing Guarantee Act; H.R. 3159, the Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act; H.R. 5436, To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance; Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a quarterly report on housing loans insured, guaranteed, or under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; Discussion Draft: the Veteran Housing Promise Act

1[House Hearing, 119 Congress]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                          LEGISLATIVE HEARING5=======================================================================67                                HEARING89                               BEFORE THE1011                        SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC12                               OPPORTUNITY1314                                 OF THE1516                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS1718                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES1920                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2122                             SECOND SESSION2324                               __________2526                      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 20262728                               __________2930                           Serial No. 119-443132                               __________3334       Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs3536[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3738                    Available via http://govinfo.gov3940                               __________4142                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4363-302                    WASHINGTON : 202644=======================================================================4546                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS4748                     MIKE BOST, Illinois, Chairman4950AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN,       MARK TAKANO, California, Ranking51    American Samoa, Vice-Chairwoman      Member52JACK BERGMAN, Michigan               JULIA BROWNLEY, California53NANCY MACE, South Carolina           CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire54MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS, Iowa       SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK,55GREGORY F. MURPHY, North Carolina        Florida56DERRICK VAN ORDEN, Wisconsin         MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky57MORGAN LUTTRELL, Texas               DELIA RAMIREZ, Illinois58JUAN CISCOMANI, Arizona              NIKKI BUDZINSKI, Illinois59KEITH SELF, Texas                    TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY, New York60JEN KIGGANS, Virginia                MAXINE DEXTER, Oregon61ABE HAMADEH, Arizona                 HERB CONAWAY, New Jersey62KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern       KELLY MORRISON, Minnesota63    Mariana Islands64TOM BARRETT, Michigan6566                       Jon Clark, Staff Director67                  Matt Reel, Democratic Staff Director6869                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY7071                 DERRICK VAN ORDEN, Wisconsin, Chairman7273JUAN CISCOMANI, Arizona              CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire,74ABE HAMADEH, Arizona                     Ranking Member75KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern       MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky76    Mariana Islands                  DELIA RAMIREZ, Illinois77TOM BARRETT, Michigan                TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY, New York7879Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, public80hearing records of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs are also81published in electronic form. The printed hearing record remains the82official version. Because electronic submissions are used to prepare83both printed and electronic versions of the hearing record, the process84of converting between various electronic formats may introduce85unintentional errors or omissions. Such occurrences are inherent in the86current publication process and should diminish as the process is87further refined.88                         C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S8990                              ----------9192                      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 20269394                                                                   Page9596                           OPENING STATEMENTS9798The Honorable Tom Barrett, Acting Chairman.......................     199The Honorable Chris Pappas, Ranking Member.......................     3100101                         SPEAKING FROM THE DAIS102103The Honorable David Valadao, U.S. House of Representatives, (CA-104  22)............................................................     4105The Honorable George Whitesides, U.S. House of Representatives,106  (CA-27)........................................................     5107The Honorable Thomas Kean, U.S. House of Representatives, (NJ-07)     5108The Honorable John Mannion, U.S. House of Representatives, (NY-109  22)............................................................     6110The Honorable Jen Kiggans, U.S. House of Representatives, (VA-02)     7111The Honorable Zachary Nunn, U.S. House of Representatives, (IA-112  03)............................................................     8113The Honorable Abe Hamadeh, U.S. House of Representatives, (AZ-08)     9114115                               WITNESSES116                                Panel I117118Mr. Kenneth Smith, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary, Veterans119  Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs...    10120121        Accompanied by:122123    Ms. Chantile Stovall, Acting Executive Director, Veteran124        Readiness and Employment Service, Veterans Benefits125        Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs126127Mr. Jeremiah Workman, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment128  and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.................    11129130                                Panel II131132Mr. Sam Cook, President, Superior Van & Mobility, On behalf of133  BraunAbility...................................................    21134135Mr. Larry Smith, Semiconductor Industry Expert...................    23136137Ms. Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director for Government138  Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.......................    25139140Ms. Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer, National Coalition of141  Homeless Veterans..............................................    26142143                                APPENDIX144                    Prepared Statements Of Witnesses145146Mr. Kenneth Smith Prepared Statement.............................    39147Mr. Jeremiah Workman Prepared Statement..........................    60148Mr. Sam Cook Prepared Statement..................................    64149Mr. Larry Smith Prepared Statement...............................    73150Ms. Julie Howell Prepared Statement..............................    74151Ms. Kathryn Monet Prepared Statement.............................    77152153                          APPENDIX--continued154                       Statements For The Record155156Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Prepared Statement.    79157Veterans United Home Loans Prepared Statement....................    82158Niskanen Center Prepared Statement...............................    84159With Honor Action Prepared Statement.............................    86160The American Legion Prepared Statement...........................    88161National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) Prepared162  Statement......................................................    98163Student Veterans of America Prepared Statement...................   101164National Association of State Approving Agencies Prepared165  Statement......................................................   105166167                          LEGISLATIVE HEARING168169                              ----------170171                      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026172173      Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity,174                    Committee on Veterans' Affairs,175                             U.S. House of Representatives,176                                                    Washington, DC.177    The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:30 p.m., in178room 360, Cannon House Office Building, Hon. Tom Barrett,179[acting chairman of the subcommittee] presiding.180    Present: Representatives Barrett, Hamadeh, Pappas,181McGarvey, Ramirez, and Kennedy.182    Also present: Representatives Nunn, Kean, Valadao, Kiggans,183Whitesides, and Mannion.184185       OPENING STATEMENT OF TOM BARRETT, ACTING CHAIRMAN186187    Mr. Barrett. Good afternoon, everyone. The subcommittee188will come to order, and I welcome the witnesses and189subcommittee members to today's hearing and the other members190of the subcommittee. I am standing in for Chairman Van Orden as191he is dealing with a personal family issue today, and I look192forward to giving him a report of how today's committee went.193    As he has said many times, and all of you have heard, we194operate this subcommittee and the U.S. Department of Veterans195Affairs (VA) Committee in whole with the ultimate goal of196improving opportunities for those who have served our country197and doing that in a nonpartisan fashion in a collaborative way.198I am excited to work with the minority today on how we can move199the agenda forward in that effort, and this legislative hearing200will continue in that spirit of bipartisanship.201    We hold legislative hearings to learn from VA and other202stakeholders about their views on the bills that we are203proposing and to ensure members are making informed decisions204when we do or do not mark them up later in the process. We205value this insight provided by these folks with the witness206testimony that we have before us today.207    Unfortunately, though, the committee did not receive the VA208or U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) testimony until less than 24209hours before this hearing started. You know, to me, we want to210work collaboratively with these agencies in a way that211ultimately achieves the best benefit for our veterans. It is212really my expectation and that of Chairman Van Orden to make213sure that we can do that effectively. It is my hope, and really214my request from you today, that you can furnish that215legislative testimony to us ahead of time so that we can have a216deeper and better insight into it ahead of time. It is my hope217that it is the last time that we received late testimony in218order to ensure that we are providing the best economic219opportunities and support for our veterans.220    We have 12 important legislative proposals to consider here221today. It is important to note that not all of the proposals we222discuss will move forward in the legislative process, but it is223important to have them take testimony on these bills. A number224of these bills seek to improve education programs,225accessibility to VA benefits, and VA's home loan program.226    I specifically want to highlight my own bill on the agenda.227My bill, H.R. 7083, the Centralized Reimbursement for Upgraded228Innovative Service Equipment (CRUISE) Act, would require the VA229to develop a plan and centralize all payments for Adaptive230Automobile Equipment program, the Automobile Adaptive Equipment231(AAE) program. This would help eliminate the bureaucratic232barriers of each individual hospital making their own payments233directly to the AAE dealers and instead move it to a central VA234office. By doing so, this bill would streamline the process of235paying these providers with the intent of ensuring the236providers get paid sooner and more efficiently.237    We have heard of instances where there are delays in the238hundreds of days in paying these providers. There have been239continued payment delays from VA, and in certain parts of the240country, there are 22 adaptive automotive invoices that are241over 1,000 days late for their payments. That is years in242backlog. That is unacceptable, and my bill would get to work at243addressing these delays, cutting out the red tape, and ensuring244providers get paid for their valuable work, all the while245getting disabled veterans the service that they deserve. My246bill would also hold VA accountable for making these payments247to AAE providers in a timely manner by requiring the VA to248publish the exact number of days that each payment takes that249exceeds 30 days.250    If we do not fix this, we risk losing good providers who251help our veterans get the adaptive vehicles that they need.252Many of these are, of course, beyond the reach of veterans.253Otherwise, if we do not have the VA step up and do this, and254these are benefits that they have earned due to injuries they255have sustained while serving our country. We cannot let the256bureaucracy get in the way of providing these benefits. If this257continues, veterans will have less provider options available258to them because they will not see the VA as a good-faith259partner in that effort.260    Additional bills that we will consider would address261modernizations and improvements to workforce, the Transition262Assistance Program (TAP) program, the VA Home Loan program, and263the GI Bill. I have reservations about some of the proposals on264the agenda today, and the witness testimony and questions from265members will hopefully address some of these issues so we can266make informed decisions about whether to move these bills267forward in the legislative process. I come to them with an open268mind. Just because we have bills on the legislative hearing269does not necessarily guarantee that we can advance them through270the markup process due to policy or cost concerns, or other271things that may arise through testimony today.272    We look forward to hearing from the members who have273introduced these proposals, as well as our witnesses, on how we274can continue to improve these bills and better the lives of our275veterans.276    With that, I will yield to the ranking member for his277testimony and opening remarks.278279       OPENING STATEMENT OF CHRIS PAPPAS, RANKING MEMBER280281    Mr. Pappas. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will get282right to the point. I know our time is limited here today.283First off, I would just like to express disappointment that we284do not have a witness from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)285joining us here today to understand the legislation before us.286On the other hand, I am glad to welcome someone from the287Department of Labor. I am glad that we have Veteran Employment288Training Services Assistant Secretary confirmed. I want to289welcome you, Mr. Workman, to the subcommittee and thank you for290being here.291    I know we are going to have members joining from off the292committee today to help us understand their legislation and293work together on bipartisan solutions that will help our294Nation's veterans. I am really glad to see that.295    I want to highlight a few of these bills.296    One is Mr. Riley's bill to address issues that we saw297during the recent government shutdown around expiring298authorizations in the VA's Housing and Security programs. The299Chairman and I have spoken many times on the realities of300affordable housing in our districts and across the country. We301have also highlighted addressing homelessness as among the top302priorities for the subcommittee. Here is an opportunity to do303just that. I will also note that Ms. McClain Delaney's bill on304Improvements to the Service Member Civil Relief Act, Mr.305Mannion's bill prohibiting the withholding of student veterans'306transcripts, and Mr. Whiteside's bill to improve reporting from307the VA home loan program are all expected to be cost-neutral. I308hope to see them move through the subcommittee into the full309committee markup quickly.310    As for other legislation before the committee today, I hope311that the Chairman will work with our staff to make improvements312to bills that move forward to a future markup. While I think313that the authors are all well-intentioned, the proposed changes314to the Transition Assistance Program, as well as modifications315to grant employment and apprenticeship programs, may include--316may require some larger structural changes to achieve the317desired effects and prevent unintended consequences.318    I support the intent of the Veteran Employment Through319Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program, now known as320the high-technology program. It is critical that we first321address the under 50 percent employment rate for graduates of322the program before we add anything to it. We cannot keep323throwing taxpayer dollars at well-intentioned but324underperforming programs.325    Speaking specifically to the CRUISE Act, I think it is326unfortunate how late the VA's testimony was submitted, and I do327not believe that VA has a witness here that can directly speak328to that problem. I understand that the status quo is untenable329for the dealerships, and I have concerns that this pill fails330to hit the mark, especially given that it does not provide331additional staff or funding to help process the claims, which332will only make delays worse. I am committed to getting a333bipartisan solution in coordination with stakeholders. I have334concerns in terms of how the bill has been drafted.335    After today's hearing, as we move forward to the markups336and subcommittee and full committee at both levels, I ask the337Chairman to continue working with us to find and focus on areas338within where we agree. This committee has a great tradition of339bipartisan work, and we have got to reinforce it with action340year in and year out. While the traditionally agreed-upon ratio341of majority to minority bills brought forward in legislative342hearings for this Congress is still slightly out of balance, I343trust that the Chairman will remedy this in future hearings.344    I yield back, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.345    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Ranking Member Pappas.346    I ask unanimous consent that Representative Valadao from347California, Representative Whitesides from California,348Representative Kean from New Jersey, Representative Kiggans349from Virginia, and Representative Nunn from Iowa be permitted350to participate in today's subcommittee hearing.351    Without objection, that is so ordered.352    I recognize Representative Valadao for 3 minutes.353354                   STATEMENT OF DAVID VALADAO355356    Mr. Valadao. Thank you, Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member357Pappas, and all members of the subcommittee for your time358today.359    After serving our Nation, veterans deserve timely access to360quality care, especially when they are facing homelessness and361mental health challenges. Too often, veterans slip through the362cracks not because help does not exist, but because the system363is not working the way it should. That is why I was proud to364introduce the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for365Homeless Veterans Act. This bill is about accountability,366coordination, and making sure vulnerable veterans are connected367with every VA service created to help them readjust to civilian368life.369    A recent Inspector General report uncovered the serious370gaps in how the VA documents assessments and shares critical371information across the programs. When assessments are not372completed or recorded properly, veterans miss out on services,373housing options, and critical follow-up care that could mean374the difference between life and death. This is unacceptable.375    My bill requires the VA to conduct a comprehensive376assessment within 3 days of identifying a veteran in need,377evaluate immediate and long-term health needs, identify378appropriate housing options, and ensure the information is379included in the veteran's electronic health records so nothing380gets lost. Roughly 1 in 10 veterans experience homelessness381after serving and seek help from the VA. We owe it to them to382ensure the system works properly, they can access the service--383and that they can access the services they need. This bill is a384reasonable step to strengthen coordination and accountability,385and I urge all members of the committee to support it.386    Thank you. I yield back.387    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Mr. Valadao yields.388    I now recognize Representative Whitesides for 3 minutes.389390                 STATEMENT OF GEORGE WHITESIDES391392    Mr. Whitesides. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the393opportunity to speak today in support of my legislation to394strengthen transparency and oversight of the VA Home Loan395Program. For generations, this program has been one of the most396effective tools we have to help veterans achieve home ownership397and stay housed during times of financial hardship. It is a398promise we make to those who served that their--who served,399that their sacrifice will be met with opportunity and stability400when they return home.401    A promise only works if the system behind it is healthy. In402recent years, changing market conditions and policy shifts have403raised real concerns among veterans' service organizations,404housing experts, and lawmakers about the long-term stability of405the VA Home Loan Program. We have heard warnings about406increased financial stress among veteran borrowers and407questions about whether the program is equipped to withstand408future economic shocks. Right now, Congress and the public do409not have consistent, detailed data to fully understand how the410program is performing. That makes it harder to spot problems411early on and harder to act before veterans are put at risk.412    My bill is a straightforward, good governance solution. It413requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to publish regular414public reports on the health and performance of the VA Home415Loan Program. These reports would track how many loans are416being issued, denied, and refinanced, and provide insight into417staffing levels at the VA Home Loan office so we can ensure the418program has the capacity it needs to serve veterans419effectively.420    This is about making sure government systems designed to421support veterans actually work. I firmly believe that good data422leads to good policy. With better information, Congress can423conduct stronger oversight, stakeholders can identify issues424earlier, and the VA can respond more quickly when veterans425begin to experience financial stress. Most importantly, this426bill helps protect the long-term solvency of the program so427that it remains available for future generations of veterans428and not just those who served today.429    Preventing veteran housing insecurity should be a shared430priority across the committee. As I know it is. Transparency is431one of the most effective tools we have to do that. I am432grateful to Ranking Member Takano for his partnership and433leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with434members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that this program435remains strong, accountable, and worthy of the veterans it436serves.437    Thank you. I yield back.438    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Gentleman yields.439    Representative Kean, you are recognized for 3 minutes.440441                    STATEMENT OF THOMAS KEAN442443    Mr. Kean. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the444opportunity to speak before the Veterans Affairs Committee445today in support of the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility446Act, a bill that I introduced with Congressman McGarvey.447    I come from the State of New Jersey, proud home to over448400,000 veterans. Whether at Picatinny Arsenal in my district449or military bases throughout our State, America's armed forces450serve faithfully throughout New Jersey and the world. Our451veterans have given so much to serve our country, and so I am452dedicated to ensuring that they receive the benefits that they453deserve. Today, we have a chance to move forward a bill that454provides veterans with the flexibility to pursue education at455their own pace.456    The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act expedites457the flight training process for veterans by removing the 1-year458requirement for accessing their GI Bill benefits. Flight459training timelines often look different than traditional460education programs. This means costs are accrued at a different461rate. Our veterans' benefits should reflect this. The Veterans462Flight Training Responsibility Act ensures veterans can463complete their flight training on a timeline that makes sense464for their program without having to pay costly out-of-pocket465tuition fees.466    I am proud to stand with our veterans to ensure that they467receive their education benefits on a timeline that supports468their chosen course of study. This bill honors our veterans by469helping them launch successful aviation careers after serving470in our Nation's military. I thank this committee for their471consideration of my bill, and I encourage my colleagues to472support this important legislation.473    Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.474    Mr. Barrett. Thank you.475    I ask unanimous consent that Representative Mannion from476New York be permitted to participate in today's subcommittee477hearing.478    Without objection. So ordered.479    Represent Mannion, you are recognized for 3 minutes.480481                   STATEMENT OF JOHN MANNION482483    Mr. Mannion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the484opportunity to speak today in support of my bill, the End485Transcript Withholding for Veterans Act. I would also like to486thank my colleague Representative Moylan for co-leading this487effort with me. This common-sense legislation would close the488gap in Federal law that has unfairly denied veterans access to489the educational benefits that they have earned.490    For too long, colleges and universities have been permitted491to withhold transcripts from students as a debt collection492tactic. For many students, this puts a hold on their careers or493prevents them from furthering their education. What is also494troubling is that in many cases, these debts are the result of495billing errors or disputed balances. Yet, student veterans are496left in limbo for no fault of their own.497    Student veterans often pursue their education in non-498traditional ways, balancing academic responsibilities alongside499raising families and building careers. If you do not have500access to your academic records, it is much harder to secure501employment and pay back the debts that triggered the502withholding in the first place.503    In 2024, the Department of Education took an important step504in addressing this issue by prohibiting colleges from505withholding academic transcripts for coursework paid for with506Title IV financial aid. However, Title IV aid is separate from507the educational benefits provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill,508and as a result, current law allows veterans to be excluded509from these protections. My bill would correct this inequity and510provide parity. No veteran who has served this country should511face these unnecessary barriers to opportunity.512    In the district I represent, Syracuse, Central New York,513and the Mohawk Valley, our institutions of higher education514serve our military-connected students and veterans515exceptionally well, and I am proud to stand behind that516mission. I thank the members of the subcommittee for517considering my bill and for having me here today. I kindly ask518for your support in passing this legislation and looking out519for our student veterans.520    I yield back.521    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Gentleman yields.522    I recognize Representative Kiggans for 3 minutes. Go ahead.523524                    STATEMENT OF JEN KIGGANS525526    Ms. Kiggans. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the527Economic Opportunity Subcommittee for having me here today to528discuss my bill, the Veterans Energy Transition Act, also known529as the VET Act. I introduced this bill to help our Nation's530service members transition into meaningful, sustainable careers531in the fast-growing energy sector. It is very simple. We know532that we need more energy and energy producers, and our veterans533need jobs. It is a great--a great marriage for sure.534    When service members transition out of the military, it can535be challenging to find a mission-driven career beyond the536service, and that can make this period difficult for them. My537district is home to thousands of these transitioning veterans,538as well as a booming energy sector. Virginia has an all-of-the-539above energy approach, which we embrace and encourage veterans540to be an important part of that. Energy companies continue to541choose Virginia as their home base, and our Nation's veterans542are uniquely qualified for many of these jobs.543    While our National energy demand continues to steadily544increase around the country, we must maintain a reliable545workforce that secures our energy dominance on the world stage.546The VET Act creates a hiring pathway for veterans through a547grant program to assist separating members of the armed forces548and their spouses in obtaining employment in the energy549industry, an industry that is vital to our Nation's future and550economy.551    At its core, this legislation recognizes something many of552us already know. When our service members complete their553service to our Nation, their dedication and skills do not end.554They simply need a new pathway. The VET Act is a practical,555targeted step toward helping those who have served our country556find stable careers and contribute to our National energy557goals. It bridges military experience with civilian558opportunity, supports families, and strengthens our workforce.559I urge thoughtful consideration and bipartisan support for this560bill and its goal of honoring service with meaningful561opportunity.562    Thank you. I yield back.563    Mr. Barrett. Thank you.564    Representative Nunn, you are now recognized for 3 minutes.565566                   STATEMENT OF ZACHARY NUNN567568    Mr. Nunn. I want to thank both the Chair and the Ranking569Member on the good bipartisan work we are all trying to do to570help our veterans. I am proud today to be joining and571advocating for H.R. 2878, the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert572Improving Service Members' Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide573Act.574    The U.S. is leading on a new era of foreign policy, one575where our sons and daughters are called to serve and defend our576great Nation, where we have invested in their safety, in their577families, and in their economic well-being with one of the578greatest pay raises ever. We also must invest on their health579when they return from the battlefield.580    Last month, I joined my fellow Iowans as well as President581Trump at Dover Air Force Base to receive the remains of two582Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed defending this country583in Syria, Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff584Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who is from my district.585While I attended their funerals, I also saw other warriors who586came home and bore scars not seen to the human eye. It is never587easy to lose a warrior on the field, but it is equally588devastating to lose a warrior on the home front.589    I am here today not just as a U.S. Congressman, but like590many of you, as a veteran. 20 years of combat service, and as a591commander, I watch my own airmen endure the struggles that come592with post-service life. I carry the message of those who cannot593be here to speak on their behalf today because veteran suicide594rates still rank as some of the highest reasons for veteran595death.596    Specifically, I speak today in honor of Corporal Adam597Lambert, a proud Marine from Adel, Iowa. He loved his family.598His family loved him. Adam put others before himself, his599friends, family, and our country. Adam bravely served our600country in the Marines. He deployed to Okinawa and in601Afghanistan. During boot camp, Adam met a fellow Marine named602Daniel Harvey. He was from Rhode Island. They became friends,603and they stayed connected throughout their entire career in the604U.S. Marine Corps. At just 22 years old, Daniel died by605suicide. He had just left the Marines. Adam, his friend,606followed him less than a month later. Adam was a friend. He was607a beloved son. He was a brother.608    Unfortunately, their stories are all too common for our609service members when they come home from duty. To address this,610I am proud to be working with this committee as we introduce611H.R. 2778. The Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving612Service Members Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act will613work with our Transition Assistance Program to ensure614transitioning vets are aware of both their mental health615services that are available to them and help them provide616access to the resources they deserve.617    With the help of this committee and advocates like all of618you in this room, we can and should and will save others like619Daniel and Adam. Thank you to all the witnesses who are here620today, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this very621important hearing. I yield.622    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Appreciate your testimony.623    I now recognize Representative Hamadeh for 3 minutes.624625                    STATEMENT OF ABE HAMADEH626627    Mr. Hamadeh. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My bill, the628Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities Veterans Act, is not just629another workforce bill. It is a National security imperative630with Arizona's fingerprints all over it.631    Since 2020, America has seen over $600 billion in private632semiconductor investment announced across 28 states. That means633more than 500,000 American jobs. Artificial intelligence is a634booming emerging tech sector of the economy, but the problem is635we do not have enough workers trained to fill them. We do have636enough veterans.637    In my own district, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing638Company, TSMC, is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in639the local economy, which will amount to thousands of jobs. It640is a critical piece of President Trump's mission to end our641reliance on foreign chips, especially from adversaries like642Communist China. In every meeting with TSMC, I have prioritized643veterans, and they have assured me that they are in the process644of creating a robust veteran program. Right now, the VA could645do more to connect veterans with these opportunities, and646private industry could move faster to implement the veteran647hiring and training programs they have promised.648    My bill fixes that. It requires the VA to partner with649industry leaders, educational institutions, and nonprofits to650identify high-demand emerging tech jobs like semiconductor651manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Then it mandates the652VA put that information front and center during transition653assistance, and on the VA website. It also creates an expedited65490-day approval process for courses of education that train655veterans for these positions because we cannot afford656bureaucratic delays when National security and veteran657opportunities are on the line.658    Now, I served as an Army intelligence officer. I know the659discipline, the technical aptitude, and the mission focus our660service members bring to every task. These men and women are661exactly the type of people the semiconductor industry needs. I662urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Our veterans663deserve a path to high-paying, high-impact careers that also664serve our National security interest.665    Thank you. I yield back.666    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Representative Hamadeh.667    I will now introduce our witness panel.668    Our first witness, Mr. Kenneth Smith, acting executive669director, Education Services at the Department of Veteran670Affairs. Mr. Smith is accompanied by Ms. Chantile Stovall,671acting executive director of Veteran Readiness and Employment672Services within the Veteran Affairs Administration at the673Department of Veteran Affairs. Our final witness is Mr.674Jeremiah Workman, assistant secretary of Veterans Employment675and Training Service at the Department of Labor. I ask676witnesses on our first panel, please stand and raise your right677hand.678    [Witnesses sworn.]679    Mr. Barrett. Let the record reflect that the witnesses have680answered in the affirmative.681    I ask the witness and members today to respect our 5-minute682rule due to the votes that we have pending on the floor.683    Mr. Smith, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver684your testimony on behalf of the Department of VA.685686                   STATEMENT OF KENNETH SMITH687688    Mr. Smith. Thank you. Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member689Pappas, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank690you for the opportunity to present our views on bills affecting691VA's programs and benefits. Joining me today is Ms. Chantile692Stovall, acting executive director of Veteran Readiness and693Employment Service.694    Before we begin, I would like to apologize on behalf of VA695for the delay in providing testimony due to the committee. VA696continues to work on process improvements internally and697externally to prevent future delays. Additionally, our Veterans698Health Administration (VHA) partners are not able to attend699today's hearing. Unfortunately, I will be unable to speak on700the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination of Homeless701Veterans Act, the elimination of maximum authorizations of702appropriations for certain benefits for homeless veterans, and703making permanent the authority to carry out certain programs704for homeless veterans. I will be taking those questions for the705record.706    VA is happy to offer support for several bills. However,707others--we support the bills but have concerns with the708language as written.709    VA supports the intent of H.R. 982 Warriors to Workforce710Act. However, we are still assessing the budgetary impacts of711the bill. The bill would increase the amount of Monthly Housing712Allowance (MAH) paid to individuals pursuing a full-time713apprenticeship or on-the-job training under Chapter 33 from 80714percent to 90 percent during the second 6-month period of the715program. This change will make On-the-Job Training (OJT) and716apprenticeship programs more desirable for our beneficiaries.717    VA supports the intent with amendments of the Improving718Emergencies--Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act,719which would require VA to partner with critical stakeholders to720identify specific types of industrial industries and positions721that, as a result of emerging technologies, are likely to have722high employment and growth potential for individuals. We are723especially supportive of the provision requiring collaboration724with the Department of Labor, as VA already collaborates with725DOL and believes this existing partnership can be leveraged to726meet the bill's objectives.727    VA could not offer its support for a few of the bills. For728instance, VA opposes H.R. 5634, the Veterans Flight Training729Responsibility Act of 2025, as this bill would establish a730$100,000 maximum total amount payable under Chapter 33 for731flight training fees for individuals pursuing flight training732programs offered by a public institution of higher learning.733    VA supports expanding flight training opportunities at734flight schools for veterans and their dependents, but this bill735does the opposite by placing an arbitrary limit on amounts736payable.737    VA cites concerns with the Affordable Housing Guarantee Act738to increase maximum home loan guarantee amount because VA has739no evidence that there is a market need for such a change. VA740agrees to work with Congress to make housing more affordable,741but has concerns with unintended risks to taxpayers, veterans,742and VA through an increase in the guarantee amount.743    VA also cites concerns with the Home Loan Quarterly Reports744bill and commits to provide additional information to Congress745and the public without statutory requirement.746    Finally, for other bills, we must defer to other747organizations as they fall outside VA's purview. We support all748efforts to eliminate veteran suicide as intended by H.R. 2878,749the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Service Member750Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, but must defer to the751Department of War on matters involving pre-separation752counseling.753    VA specifically addresses mental health to include Post-754Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention in its755mandatory TAP module on VA benefits and services and in756military lifecycle modules. VA will work with the Committee on757Language to strengthen those services.758    VA also defers H.R. 3159, improving Servicemembers Civil759Relief Act (SCRA) Benefit Utilization Act to the Department of760War.761    Last, we defer to the Department of Education, H.R. 5436,762which prohibits an educational institution from withholding the763transcript of an individual who attended a course or program764using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits solely because the individual765owes a debt to the institution.766    This concludes my statement. We would be happy to answer767any questions you or the members of the subcommittee may have.768769    [The Prepared Statement Of Kenneth Smith Appears In The770Appendix]771772    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Smith. The written statement of773Mr. Smith will be entered into the hearing record.774    Mr. Workman, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to775deliver your testimony on behalf of the Department of Labor.776777                 STATEMENT OF JEREMIAH WORKMAN778779    Mr. Workman. Thank you. Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member780Pappas, and distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank781you for the opportunity to testify at today's legislative782hearing.783    The mission of the Department of Labor, Veterans'784Employment and Training Service is to prepare America's service785members, veterans, and military spouses for meaningful careers,786provide them with employment resources and expertise, protect787their employment rights, and promote their employment788opportunities.789    As a retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Marine790Corps, a combat veteran, Navy Cross recipient, and a tireless791advocate for veterans, I am honored and humbled to serve as792Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Employment and Training793Service. While I have only been in my agency for less than a794month, I am impressed by its dedication to our mission.795    President Donald Trump has demonstrated his unrelenting796support for our military, veterans, and military spouses,797placing a renewed National focus on honoring their service and798expanding their opportunities after they leave the uniform799behind. We owe our internal thanks to those who have served our800country. That is why I am thankful for the opportunity to work801with Congress to continuously improve our programs.802    The Warriors to Workforce Act would increase GI Bill803monthly housing allowance benefits for apprenticeships and on-804the-job training programs, which are administered by the805Department of Veterans' Affairs. The Department of Labor806supports this bill. Registered apprenticeships are a highly807effective pathway to develop in-demand skills while also808earning a paycheck from day one. Registered apprenticeships809train workers for careers using a structured combination of810paid on-the-job training and related instruction.811    In April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order on812Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the813Future, which established that it is the policy of the United814States to optimize and target Federal investments in workforce815development to align with our country's reindustrialization816needs and equip American workers to fill the growing demand for817skilled trades and other occupations. In the executive order,818the President set the goal of at least 1 million new active819apprentices nationwide. This goal is closely aligned with820current labor market demand. Skilled trade jobs are facing a821significant labor shortage, leading to increased demand for822qualified workers.823    In alignment with the President's priorities and the824growing demand for highly skilled trade jobs, it is my hope825that we can continue to expand veteran participation and826registered apprenticeship programs.827    Separately, a draft bill would, among other provisions,828eliminate the maximum authorizations of appropriations for the829Department of Labor's administered Homeless Veterans830Reintegration Program. The Department of Labor supports this831bill if amended. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is832the only Federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive833employment for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness834so that they can reach their full employment potential and835high-quality career outcomes. The program fosters self-836sufficiency through employment and also holds grantees to high837standards of accountability and effectiveness with proven838results.839    The department strongly supports this program and shares840Congress's commitment to improving outcomes for veterans841experiencing homelessness. However, we do have some budget842concerns, which are detailed in my written testimony.843    Finally, the Veterans Energy Transition Act would establish844a new $60 million per year grant program administered by the845Department of Labor to assist members of the Armed Forces who846are transitioning to civilian employment, veterans, and their847spouses to obtain employment in the energy industry. We have848concerns with how the program is structured, as detailed in my849written testimony. We look forward to working with the850committee on alternative approaches that advance our shared851goal of helping transitioning service members, veterans, and852military spouses connect to jobs in the energy sector.853    Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the854subcommittee, this concludes my statement. Thank you for the855opportunity to be part of this hearing, and I welcome your856questions.857858    [The Prepared Statement Of Jeremiah Workman Appears In The859Appendix]860861    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Workman. Written statement of862Mr. Workman will be entered into the hearing record.863    I will now proceed to questioning. I ask members and864witnesses again to respect the 5-minute rule as we have votes865on the floor coming up now.866    I recognize myself for 5 minutes.867    Mr. Smith, beginning with you. Obviously, you can surmise868that I have taken a bit of an interest in my bill about869centralizing payments for these adaptive equipment vehicles.870Can you tell me, in your own estimation, what is the871appropriate amount of time that should be allowed for a vendor872to receive payment under this program?873    Mr. Smith. Thank you for the question. I would like to say874first off, I am not sure. One of our concerns is whether this875applies to the auto grant, which is a new purchase of a new876vehicle, a one-time grant for $27,000, or whether it is the877continuous benefit and eligibility for modifying existing878vehicle for adaptive equipment. I do agree that the Prompt879Payment Act requirements for 30 days is reasonable from the880time that we know that there is eligibility to issue payment. I881do understand that we are working hard on that auto and882adaptive equipment side. On the automobile grant, so the one-883time grant, there could be a potential eligibility cycle884involving a disability claims decision if the veteran has not885already been adjudicated eligible based on loss or loss of use886of extremities or central visual acuity.887    Mr. Barrett. I appreciate some of the detail there, but the88830-day prompt payment requirement is the standard that we are889going for, that we are trying to achieve. I think you would890agree with me that we have fallen short of that expectation. We891have instances. We have one provider with over $9 million in892overdue payments that have not come through. We have recently893heard that some providers are withholding adaptive automobiles.894They are literally withdrawing from the program because they do895not have confidence that they are going to get timely payment896from the VA. You heard in my opening remarks that we have heard897of instances, literally, you know, more than 2 years in arrears898for a particular provider.899    Now, I will fully grant that there is going to be truly900exceptional circumstances where maybe a claim was filed, and it901has not been adjudicated, or it is under appeal. You know there902are going to be instances of that happening, but not in the903numbers that we are seeing from these providers. My severe904concern with that is that we are going to enter a situation905where veterans are not able to find a provider that will do906this work because they do not see the VA as a good--a good907partner in that. If the end result is that fewer veterans are908able to access adaptive equipment, then we are not making good909on the effort we have in our country and through the work that910you do in the VA to make sure that they are made whole to the911extent that we can for the sacrifices they have made. I mean,912these are people that have substantial injury that they have913sustained to even qualify for this benefit to begin with.914    I know that we have payments that are more than 200 days915late, 42 claims we are aware of that are over 500 days late.916You know, that is well over a year in time. The length of time917for providers to receive payments seems excessively long and918seems to be a chronic issue, especially considering that they919must front the cost when supplying these vehicles to veterans.920They are not only out the money, but they are also out the921equipment that they could have sold to another customer if922they--if they had them still available.923    Assuming we can work through some of your concerns, and I924would like to get a little bit more color to the--to the, I925know you gave some, you know, asked for some consideration of926amendments. I would be curious to know kind of what you would927like those to be and how we can work together to get there. To928me, we have got different VA facilities remitting payment at929vastly different times. It cannot just be a situation where,930you know, there is a unique circumstance that would not be the931case in the chronically overdue payments in certain areas. If932you can walk us through some of what your considerations of933amendments are, we would love to take them under advisement934from you.935    Mr. Smith. Thank you. I will not try to give you936everything, and would certainly like to enlist support from my937compensation colleagues for policies and procedures. I can say938that I did look to see how many pending auto allowance grants939are sitting with our team right now, and it is approximately940195. Now, this is just that decision for an initial automobile941one-time grant that is equal to $27,074.99. Our average days to942complete last month was 75 days.943    Now there are going to be outliers. That is an average. We944recognize that and would certainly work to make that better.945That is also in a bucket of work that is assigned to our946benefits eligibility support teams, who are working right now947through an inventory of about 900,000 adjustments to dependency948and other miscellaneous adjustments, such as drill pay949adjustments and other things. There is a good bit of work.950Specifically, if we would pull this out for specific951prioritization, we would need resource identification for that952specific assignment of work, and then we can certainly work to953assign that work to that--that workforce to achieve the954outcomes.955    Mr. Barrett. Okay, thank you, and look forward to working956with you more on that. I would just further stipulate that 70-957some days is more than twice the intended target of 30 days. I958appreciate some of that background.959    I recognize the Ranking Member, Mr. Pappas, for 5 minutes.960    Mr. Pappas. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.961    Mr. Smith, if I can start with you. I know we do not have a962representative here specifically from the Homelessness Program963Office today, but I just want to start with a question related964to H.R. 7149. That is the Veteran Housing Promise Act. I saw965that VA's legislative proposals for the Fiscal Year included966making the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program permanent.967I think we should all agree that the other housing and security968programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)969and Grant Per Diem (GPD) are just as important as the health970care for homeless veterans.971    As noted in your written testimony, it is hard for972providers in SSVF and GPD to plan with the funding and973authorizations in the air every year. Should Congress974permanently authorize those programs, like the proposal for the975health care for homeless veterans?976    Mr. Smith. Thank you for the question. As I said in my977opening, I will have to take all of those questions for the978record. However, I will add that VA certainly supports efforts979to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness are properly980assessed and cared for.981    Mr. Pappas. Well, thanks for taking that for the record. We982look forward to the response. Also for you, Mr. Smith, and in983the written testimony, VA deferred to the Department of984Education regarding H.R. 5436 and transcript withholding. I985wanted to ask you directly, should student veterans receive the986same protections against schools withholding transcripts as987their peers receiving Title IV funds through the Department of988Education, as proposed in Mr. Mannion's bill?989    Mr. Smith. We are certainly interested in protections for990our GI Bill veteran students, but we have to defer to the991Department of Education because transcript provisioning is in992their purview.993    Mr. Pappas. VA will not provide any additional comment on994that?995    Mr. Smith. No, sir.996    Mr. Pappas. Okay. I want to move to another bill, H.R.9972878. I saw that you did not address the Department's stance on998tasking the Solid Start Program with assisting eligible999veterans in enrolling with--with the VHA, and I could see that1000being a difficult process over the phone. Would it make more1001sense just to automate the process and enroll all eligible1002service members during their transition process as outlined in1003the Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition (EVEST) Act? That way,1004we are not playing catch-up, but it is systematized and1005streamlined.1006    Mr. Smith. Thank you for the question. My understanding1007that in the TAPs benefits module, there is an interactive1008discussion with service members, and they are offered the1009opportunity to complete that 10-10EZ form. If they defer, they1010are provided information for a liaison to assist them at a1011later time.1012    Mr. Pappas. Well, thanks for that. I mean, you know, making1013things as easy as possible for the--for the end user, for the1014veteran, for the transitioning service member should be1015everyone's goal.1016    In written testimony, the discussion draft regarding the VA1017Home Loan Program reporting requirements, which is now H.R.10187150, I am just having a hard time sympathizing with the idea1019that the reporting would be too burdensome. In that case, I1020compare the proposed requirements to other government home loan1021programs, and this proposal is nowhere near as detailed or as1022burdensome. VA has all that data already. It would just be to1023publish it quarterly rather than annually. Am I missing1024something here? Is there a reason that the Department feels1025differently about this as opposed to other reporting1026requirements?1027    Mr. Smith. We believe that we can provide that information1028to Congress without a statutory requirement and look forward to1029working with you on the definitions and the specific data1030points that you would like to see. As you mentioned, we already1031publish a lot of data annually. In addition, we provide1032quarterly reporting on lender data under PL 115.174. Note that1033the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council publishes1034data and reports on institutions under the Home and Mortgage1035Disclosure Act.1036    Mr. Pappas. Well, thanks for that. I know there are a1037number of data reporting requirements for school, for the Home1038Loan Program office. We ask for a significant amount of data1039from lenders, and they often complain about the amount of1040requirements, but they comply. I think that we are not asking1041for too much here.1042    Maybe I could just ask you one more question. This is1043around adding the emerging technology to the high technology1044VET-TEC program, and the current statute defines high1045technology as computer programming, computer software, media1046application, data processing, information sciences. Is there1047anything in the current statute that would prevent artificial1048intelligence or semiconductor programs from participating in1049the high technology program? Is this just to give it extra1050emphasis, or is there any sort of change that this would1051actually allow new programs in?1052    Mr. Smith. My understanding is that artificial intelligence1053would be covered as a software product under the existing1054authority. However, the addition of semiconductor manufacturing1055would be an addition that would be new as authorized by this1056act.1057    Mr. Pappas. Okay. Appreciate the responses. Thanks for1058being here. I yield back.1059    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. The Ranking Member yields.1060    Representative Hamadeh, you are recognized for 5 minutes.1061    Mr. Hamadeh. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith, thank you1062for being here today, and thank you for the VA's support of my1063bill, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans1064Act. I appreciate the department's commitment to getting this1065right. I look forward to working with you.1066    In your testimony, you note that the VA already1067collaborates with the Department of Labor on identifying high-1068demand occupations. Can you walk the subcommittee through step1069by step how this bill would strengthen, formalize that1070partnership?1071    Mr. Smith. I would like to say that we would continue to1072leverage our meetings with the Department of Labor to discuss1073industry-specific needs and then provide targeted outreach for1074use of GI Bill benefits programs. Under the VET-TEC program, we1075would then also partner with Department of Labor to ensure that1076we are reaching to providers of this training and, you know,1077ensure that they apply for and can begin training those1078students or veterans under that program.1079    Mr. Hamadeh. When you say providers, you mean the industry1080leaders?1081    Mr. Smith. Industry leaders who would be offering1082certificates under the VET-TEC program. Correct.1083    Mr. Hamadeh. What relationship with the, you know, there is1084already existing relationships right now with industry leaders1085in the VA, correct? What would be a good model for this--for1086this new bill?1087    Mr. Smith. I am not sure, sir. I would have to get back to1088you on that.1089    Mr. Hamadeh. You know my bill establishes a 90-day1090expedited approval process for courses that train veterans for1091emerging tech jobs. Now, your testimony states the VA has no1092concerns with meeting that timeline. Is that right?1093    Mr. Smith. We understood that as 90 days to identify and1094then solicit for providers. We do believe we could meet that1095with--with enough lead time to, you know, if the enactment--1096enactment or effective date for the bill were a little bit in--1097in the future.1098    Mr. Hamadeh. All right. We all know how important it is to1099make things move quickly, especially for our veterans who are1100looking for jobs. What, what type of message does this send to1101veterans and to industry leaders when the VA moves quickly to1102approve these high-demand jobs? Does that encourage more1103industries and businesses to want to partner with the VA?1104    Mr. Smith. I certainly hope so, yes.1105    Mr. Hamadeh. Now, the Semiconductor Industry Association1106reports over 500,000 jobs tied to recent investments across 281107states, including Arizona. From the VA's perspective, why are1108veterans uniquely positioned to fill this workforce need?1109    Mr. Smith. We believe that they have the--the right skills1110and you know that the--the propensity to succeed given new1111tasks, and we would look forward to helping them achieve that1112target.1113    Mr. Hamadeh. Yes. As a veteran myself, and you know,1114talking to fellow veterans, we know that we are used to long1115hours. I think the biggest challenge has been these foreign1116companies moving into the United States. You know, they work1117their people to death nearly over there, so they are not used1118to the work requirements here in the United States. Veterans,1119we know it takes a lot of work, and they are dedicated, they1120are motivated, they are very disciplined. I think that is a1121huge benefit to the semiconductor and this Artificial1122intelligence (AI) industry that I know we are going to help out1123with.1124    Mr. Smith, I appreciate the VA's partnership on this, and1125together we can make sure our veterans are prioritized for1126these high-paying jobs and high-impact careers. Thank you for1127your time.1128    I yield back.1129    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Hamadeh.1130    Representative McGarvey, you are recognized for 5 minutes.1131    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for1132having this hearing today. You know, I hear from veterans all1133the time back home, people who are trying to build a stable1134life when they take off the uniform. This is trying to get a1135job. This is finish school. This is buy a home or simply even1136stay housed. Every single one of the bills we are discussing1137today touches one of those foundational pieces.1138    What I keep hearing from people, though, is like, keep it1139simple, make the system work the way it is supposed to.1140Basically, veterans should not have to fight all over again1141just to get a wheelchair accessible van. They should not have1142to lose out on a job opportunity because the school will not1143release their transcript. They should not be pushed into1144programs that sound good on paper but do not actually lead to1145real jobs. They should not be fighting again for the things we1146promise to provide for them.1147    One thing we do on this committee, and I think we do it1148well, despite everything you see in Washington right now, is we1149have a central mission. That is to keep the promise we made to1150the men and women who put on a uniform, willing to serve us and1151sacrifice everything for our safety and freedom. I am happy to1152see that the legislation that we are talking about today are1153promoting programs that actually work, programs that keep that1154promise.1155    Mr. Workman, I want to start with you. First of all, thank1156you for your service. Thank you for the heroism and bravery you1157showed. Because of your actions, a lot of people came home to1158their families, and we are grateful for that. We have heard1159concerns that Veterans Energy Transition, or VET, the VET Act1160sets up another standalone jobs program instead of fixing and1161strengthening programs that already work, like Skillbridge. How1162is DOL going to make sure that this does not turn into just one1163more confusing program that veterans have to navigate when they1164are transitioning out of the military?1165    Mr. Workman. Thank you for the question, Congressman. I1166would like to sit down with my counterparts at the DoD and also1167at the VA to ensure that we are doing the right thing by our1168veterans and by those that are leaving the military every year.1169As in my testimony that was submitted, you know, there are some1170concerns from the Department of Labor with this bill, and I1171would look forward to working with your office to try to find a1172way forward with this bill so we can get more veterans employed1173and gainful employment, gainful jobs where they can wake up in1174the morning, feel that sense of pride, and feel good about1175taking care of their families.1176    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you. No, we look forward to working1177with you on that. You know, look, on this committee, sometimes1178we might not always agree about the way to get there. I do not1179think we disagree on the mission and the goal. Look forward to1180working with you on that because, you know, again, this is just1181something. Go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United1182States (VFW) in Louisville and talk to people, just walk1183around, talk to some of our veterans. They want a straight path1184to a good job. Right? Not some of the more bureaucracy things1185they have to fight to do to get things that do not actually1186work. They do not want just another incentive for companies.1187When you are, I know you are new at DOL, but while you are1188there, you know, how--how can you guys make sure that this1189grant money from the VET Act actually leads to real training1190and credentials, long-term employment, instead of just giving1191out sort of hiring bonuses to businesses?1192    Mr. Workman. Thank you for the question, Congressman. Like1193I said in my submitted testimony, I think there are some issues1194with the bill that need to be addressed before we can find a1195way forward. I definitely look forward to working with you and1196the rest of the members of this committee to find a way forward1197because I agree our veterans deserve the best, and we need to1198do what we can to ensure that they are set up for success once1199they take the uniform off.1200    Mr. McGarvey. Yes. Appreciate that commitment and1201definitely want to work with you on it because this is1202something, you know, we do not want it to get lost. We want1203this to be just another hearing where there is--there is, you1204know, again, reassurances or things said or things, oh, we will1205get back to like, no, let us actually make sure these programs1206are working for our veterans.1207    Mr. Smith, I will switch to you about transcript1208withholding. There is a real risk that veterans in my district1209in Louisville and places all over the country could lose job1210offers because their school may not release their transcript1211over disputed debt. My first question to you is a simple yes or1212no. Do you agree that veterans who are using the GI Bill should1213never be blocked from getting their own academic record?1214    Mr. Smith. Unfortunately, I have to defer to the Department1215of Education on that. It is their policy.1216    Mr. McGarvey. Okay, well, I can go ahead and state my1217opinion on that. We should never have a veteran blocked from1218getting their own academic record, particularly when they are1219on the GI Bill. Again, a benefit not given to them, a benefit1220they earned through their service, and would love your help in1221making sure we can get that happen even with the Department of1222Education.1223    The VET-TEC program has had some mixed results with job1224placement dropping below 50 percent in some years. If we expand1225on VET-TEC to focus more on emerging tech fields, what1226protections should VA put in place to make sure that veterans1227are not encouraged to participate in programs that sound good1228but do not lead to jobs after they are over?1229    Mr. Smith. Thank you for the question, and that is--that is1230a very interesting area to go to because it really speaks to1231the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. We would be1232happy to sit down with your staff and others to identify some1233protections for that. As of right now, I am not sure that I1234have--I have any great ideas.1235    Mr. McGarvey. Well, definitely want to sit down with both1236of you on this. Let us keep this on our radar. Let us make sure1237this is working. We cannot just get caught in more bureaucracy.1238We got to have programs that work for our veterans. Mr.1239Chairman, I yield back.1240    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Ms. Ramirez is recognized for 51241minutes.1242    Ms. Ramirez. Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member Pappas,1243for holding this hearing, and to the witnesses that are here1244with us today.1245    One of the many factors this committee has identified as1246critical to a veteran's successful transition that stand out1247for me are medical care and the second is employment. I want to1248start with discussing the importance of medical and mental1249health care post-service.1250    As you know, some of you were service members yourself,1251wearing the uniform and serving our Nation, oftentimes veterans1252deal in silence with the pain of PTSD, of depression, of1253substance abuse, and the risk of self-harm. We know it is1254essential that we do everything we can to ensure that no1255veteran has to confront their challenges alone by providing1256them information and the access necessary to medical and mental1257health services.1258    I understand there are some pieces of legislation today1259that we are considering that make an attempt to help our1260veterans with that. I have a couple questions. I know a core1261program that assists veterans transition to civilian life is a1262TAP program. Here, veterans take classes to learn all that is1263available to them. We know that veterans often do not retain1264what they learn and can be overwhelmed by the volume of1265information all coming at the same time. I understand that H.R.12662878 attempts to address the current mental health gaps1267veterans face by adding information to TAPS on mental health.1268    The question I have, Mr. Smith, given that DOD has1269expressed it would not provide more time for veterans to attend1270TAP classes, from your perspective, what content, if any, would1271realistically have to be removed to make room for some of the1272new mandates that are coming through H.R. 2878?1273    Mr. Smith. I am not sure what should be or what could be1274removed from that program. I realize it is a very full agenda.1275I know VA's benefits and services are one entire day.1276    Ms. Ramirez. Yes. Let me ask you a follow-up question. Do1277you have any data that veterans retain or act on information1278delivered in already overstuffed formats months before1279separation? If so, what does the data show you?1280    Mr. Smith. I do not have any information about retention of1281information, which is why VA law in 2019 launched the VA Solid1282Start program, where we have reached out to 115,000 veterans to1283date by telephone, approximately every 90 days post-service1284to--to communicate with them.1285    Ms. Ramirez. Well, thank you, Mr. Smith. I know that my1286clock is ticking, so I am going to just shift gears for a1287second, and I want to talk about employment.1288    I have a question on the Warriors to Workforce Act. We know1289that employment is critical for a successful transition post-1290service, and I am worried that some of the bills discussed1291today do not address the larger issues at hand, including some1292of the scarcity of apprenticeship programs, and that many1293programs are not widely known to our veterans. Given that when1294the GI Bill apprenticeship and on the job training structure1295was created, the core assumption was the employer would pay a1296meaningful share of the veterans income and then VA would then1297supplement it with what--what would be necessary.1298    The question that I have is for Mr. Workman. Is that1299assumption still holding today, that the employer would pay a1300meaningful share? Specifically, what data does DOL or VA have1301on how many approved apprenticeship or OJT programs are paying1302veterans wages that are sufficient to offset the declining GI1303Bill housing allowance?1304    Mr. Workman. Thank you for the question, Congresswoman. I1305do not have the data in front of me. I am more than willing to1306go back and get that data and provide it to you.1307    Ms. Ramirez. It would be really helpful for me because, as1308we are looking at declining housing allowance, I want to make1309sure that, you know, our veterans are not put in a position1310where they are barely making it with whatever we are getting1311offset from the private market.1312    Let me ask you just one last follow-up question. I do have131358 seconds. What happens when the apprenticeship or AGT--or OJT1314programs are not paying sufficient wages? I know you are going1315to get me some data, but in your own perspective or your own1316experience, what do you think happens to them when they are not1317getting sufficient wages?1318    Mr. Workman. Thank you for the question. I do not want to1319speak to something that I do not know about. What I can tell1320you is the President has made it clear that he wants a million1321new apprenticeships.1322    Ms. Ramirez. Mr. Workman, when you, as you go back, I just1323want to really reiterate, these apprenticeships are incredibly1324important. We also do not want to add more financial stress to1325our service members. We want to make sure that they are getting1326wages necessary to be able to participate in the program, be1327successful. I do look forward to getting this information from1328you. Thank you.1329    With that, I yield back.1330    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Appreciate it. The witnesses are1331now excused, seeing no further questions. I hope you will all1332stick around for the second panel.1333    On our second panel today, we will hear from the following1334witnesses. Yes, if you are on the second panel, please come1335forward, and I will introduce you as you arrive.1336    We are doing a quick shift change.1337    All right, thank you. Going from my right, your left, we1338have Mr. Sam Cook, president of the Superior Van and Mobility1339company. This is Mr. Larry Smith, a semiconductor industry1340expert. Ms. Julie Howell, associate legislative director for1341Government Relations, testifying on behalf of--on behalf of1342Paralyzed Veterans of America. Ms. Kathryn Monet. Monet or1343Monette (phonetic)? How do I say it? Monet? All right. Chief1344Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Coalition of Homeless1345Veterans (NCHV).1346    I would now like to welcome the witnesses to our second1347panel, and I ask you to please stand and raise your right hand.1348    [Witnesses sworn.]1349    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Let the record reflect that all1350witnesses have answered in the affirmative. Mr. Cook, you are1351now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver your testimony.13521353                     STATEMENT OF SAM COOK13541355    Mr. Cook. On behalf of Superior Van & Mobility and National1356Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, known as NMEDA, I would1357like to thank Chairman Barrett, Chairman Van Orden, whose1358family is in our prayers, Ranking Member Pappas, and all the1359members of the House Veterans Subcommittee on Economic1360Opportunity for the chance to testify today.1361    My name is Sam Cook. I am the president of Superior Van and1362Mobility, the Nation's largest family owned adapted vehicle1363dealer based in Louisville, Kentucky. My family owns and1364operates 18 dealer locations across the South and Midwest. For1365over 25 years, we have served disabled veterans through the1366Automotive Adaptive Equipment Program, which provides disabled1367veterans with accessible vehicles. NMEDA members across the1368country are driven by one noble principle: to provide mobility1369to disabled veterans who have given so much to our country.1370    Further, I would like to clarify that my testimony and1371support for changes to the AAE is in no way an indictment on1372the many hard-working, frontline employees of the VA who serve1373our veterans every day. Our issue is with the system itself.1374The old joke is you have been to one VA location, then you have1375been to one VA location.1376    Unfortunately, this is not my first time testifying before1377Congress about VA shortcomings. I testified in 2015, along with1378many others, about the VA policy relating to the quality of1379modifications made to vehicles to accommodate each veteran's1380disability. That effort resulted in the passage of the Veterans1381Mobility Safety Act, a bill signed into law in 2016, intended1382to ensure the modifications made for veterans were properly1383performed and appropriate for their disability. Sadly, and for1384unexplained reasons, the law still has not been implemented due1385to the VA not issuing the mandated interpretive regulations.1386    Consistent with this theme, VA payment policy can vary1387dramatically from location to location, despite the existence1388of the Prompt Payment Act, which requires Federal agencies,1389including the VA, to pay their contractors usually within 301390days. At the end of 2025, my company alone had over $2.111391million in past due invoices. This makes it difficult for1392businesses to serve disabled veterans in our country, as they1393are essentially being asked to be a subprime lender to the VA.1394There are good, credible dealers who have or are considering1395ceasing to do business with the VA altogether due to the1396payment issues. Without proper standards, this will likely1397cause veterans to travel hundreds of miles for service.1398    In addition to the uncertainty is when you might get paid,1399another change the VA made that has drastically affected the1400amount the VA reimburses dealers for adaptive equipment. As a1401taxpayer, I want the government to get the best price possible.1402That being said, the price the government pays should be based1403on current market conditions and data. The VA's own regulations1404instructed it to establish a fee schedule on July 17, 2024,1405based on the most recent data to update it annually. Despite1406this requirement, the schedule was created using not the most1407available data. The published schedule was based on prices from14082021. We all know that costs are considerably higher now than1409they were in 2021.1410    Further, at this time, the VA published its schedule, and1411NMEDA's 2024 survey was available then. That will be updated1412every year moving forward. Absent congressional intervention,1413industry has no confidence the schedule will be brought in line1414with current pricing. The failure to follow very clear direct1415regulations regarding publishing a current payment schedule1416identified ongoing challenges with vendors and getting paid on1417time. Now a decade-long wait for professional standards for1418modification of vehicles suggests the VA feels it is1419unrestricted discretion and interpretation of application of1420the law, making it extremely difficult to serve our veterans.1421    One piece of the solution is the bipartisan Automotive1422Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act1423sponsored by Congressman Barrett, which passed the House1424unanimously last year. I, as well as NMEDA, believe that the1425CRUISE Act, recently introduced by Chairman Barrett, is another1426important part of the solution. I and NMEDA support Chairman1427Barrett's CRUISE Act. The CRUISE Act will centralize the1428process for reimbursing dealers in the department's central1429office and require the VA to accurately track payments for1430dealers that are more than 90 days overdue. I hope the CRUISE1431Act is passed and properly implemented. Many of these issues1432facing the mobility equipment dealers and disabled veterans1433will be resolved.1434    I would like to thank the committee for listening today and1435thank each of you for serving our country.14361437    [The Prepared Statement Of Sam Cook Appears In The1438Appendix]14391440    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Cook. The written statement of1441Mr. Cook will be entered into the record.1442    Mr. Smith, welcome to Washington. You are now recognized1443for 5 minutes to deliver your testimony.14441445                    STATEMENT OF LARRY SMITH14461447    Mr. Smith. Thank you, Chairman Barrett, and Ranking Member1448Pappas, and distinguished subcommittee members, for this1449opportunity. As a veteran committed to helping others enter the1450semiconductor industry, I believe these proposals will better1451connect veterans to rewarding careers.1452    My name is Larry Smith. After a decade in the Army,1453including time on active duty and in the reserves, after1454graduating from West Point, I worked 35 years in the1455semiconductor industry, serving as president and chairman of1456the board of Tokyo Electron U.S. for 14 years. Now retired, I1457have pivoted to purpose, focused on hiring and housing1458veterans, and serve as vice chair of the Governor's Executive1459Committee for the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and1460chairman of the Board of Mobile Loaves and Fishes.1461    More than 10 years ago, I chose to recruit field engineers1462from three groups, including veterans. During this period, I1463was lucky enough to collaborate with my close friend Paul Funk,1464who later became a four-star General and led TRADOC, or1465Training and Doctorate Command. Paul and I began our military1466careers as young lieutenants together at Fort Hood, and our1467friendship has lasted ever since. He helped me and my team1468connect with key leaders at the Transition Assistance Program1469and take part in job fairs.1470    After years of recruiting veterans, I saw that our1471industry, spanning thousands of companies, could reach far more1472people than we had so far. I proposed recruiting veterans as a1473talent pipeline to SEMI's CEO and presented this idea as a1474keynote speaker at two major trade shows attended by over147535,000 people this last year. My talks addressed why and how to1476recruit veterans into the semiconductor industry, highlighting1477their valuable attributes and technical skills.1478    As mentioned already, the semiconductor industry released a1479report, updated in December 2025, detailing both ongoing and1480anticipated investments in the semiconductor manufacturing1481facilities. These initiatives are projected to create and1482support over 500,000 jobs, including 70,000 facility positions1483and 122,000 construction roles. This projected growth is1484anticipated to create significant demand for technicians,1485rendering these positions well-suited for transitioning service1486members who are seeking impactful careers that support National1487security.1488    Currently, semiconductors are integral to geopolitical1489competition and underpin advancements in artificial1490intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, and defense1491technologies. Collaborative job training programs and efforts1492to expand the pool of Science, Technology, Engineering, and1493Mathematics (STEM) educators can address the talent shortage,1494with veterans serving as an excellent resource to meet this1495demand.1496    Let me share some details on a project in Killeen, Texas,1497that can be a model to consider.1498    The Military Talent Pipeline near Fort Hood helps service1499members and their spouses transition to jobs and fields like1500semiconductor technology and design, STEM education,1501cybersecurity, data analytics, and law enforcement. It is1502funded by Federal, State, industry, and local partners, with1503the Clean Economic Development Corporation donating a 25,000-1504square-foot facility. The project also received a $2.5 million1505Federal grant for renovating that donated building.1506    Additional support for projects includes workforce1507development funds from the Texas CHIPS Act, upcoming1508appropriations pending Senate review, a $2 million fab tool1509donation from Tokyo Electron, and a $2 million allocation from1510the Texas legislature. Collaborate partners include Texas1511University System and local community colleges. Texas A&M,1512Central Texas, led by Dr. Richard Rhodes, donated $2 million to1513Temple College to help establish the semiconductor lab near the1514Samsung site. Project leaders are creating the playbook and1515sharing it with other U.S. regions, to include Arizona and New1516York.1517    Additionally, I am proud of our team's work at Tokyo1518Electron U.S. Our goal is to be a trusted global partner1519providing technology that enables life. We have invested1520billions of dollars in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and1521research and development. We participate in the Partnership for1522Your Success (PAYS) program and earned several military-1523friendly awards from the DOL and DOW. To include, today I saw a1524posting on LinkedIn that we were recognized again with both a1525platinum and gold level recognition. As a member of SEMI Works,1526this team has reached over 150,000 military members through1527outreach over the last 3 years and in a CHIP career site list1528job opportunities to the thousand SEMI members and supports1529military personnel with resources, tools, and career coaching.1530    Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of these1531initiatives before the subcommittee today. I am happy to answer1532your questions.15331534    [The Prepared Statement Of Larry Smith Appears In The1535Appendix]15361537    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Smith, and Go Army. The written1538statement of Mr. Smith will be entered into the hearing record.1539    Ms. Howell, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver1540your testimony.15411542                   STATEMENT OF JULIE HOWELL15431544    Ms. Howell. Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Pappas, and1545members of the subcommittee, Paralyzed Veterans of America1546(PVA) appreciates the opportunity to share our views on some of1547the legislation before the subcommittee today. PVA members are1548veterans who have incurred a spinal cord injury or disorder,1549and they experience the breadth of VA care and benefits in1550unique ways due to their injuries and their illnesses. Most of1551the legislation has been addressed in our written testimony, so1552I will limit my comments to three bills that we believe would1553have a positive impact on our membership.1554    Just like every American, access to safe and reliable1555transportation is essential to the mobility, health, and1556independence of catastrophically disabled veterans. Thus,1557addressing transportation concerns is a top priority for PVA,1558and we have been honored to work with this committee to pass1559several bills in recent years to improve access to adapted1560vehicles. The Automobile Adaptive Equipment, or AAE, program1561prescribes and pays for adaptive equipment which allows1562eligible veterans to safely operate and enter or exit their1563vehicles. Most adaptations are done by dealers outside of the1564VA, and the work is reimbursed by payment processors at the1565local VA medical center.1566    Unfortunately, we often hear from PVA members as well as1567industry professionals that millions of dollars in unpaid1568reimbursements remain outstanding. H.R. 7083, the CRUISE Act,1569seeks to address this problem by changing the way VA reimburses1570businesses that make the necessary modifications to the1571vehicles that veterans need. The bill requires the VA to1572implement a process to track invoices and issue payments in a1573timely manner. If the latter takes more than 30 days, the1574department must notify the business of delays and provide them1575with an anticipated date of payment. While PVA supports the1576intent of this legislation, we are concerned that without1577careful oversight, an already difficult reimbursement process1578could become even more complicated. Disabled veterans have1579earned these benefits, and it is the obligation of the VA and1580Congress to ensure their delivery, which includes paying1581vendors that partner in achieving veteran independence.1582    Next, I would like to discuss H.R. 982, the Warriors to1583Workforce Act. While PVA supports the intent of increasing the1584monthly housing allowance rate for veterans using their Post-9/158511 GI Bill for apprenticeships, we do not think that the bill1586goes far enough in supporting veterans deciding on non-1587traditional education paths like apprenticeships or other on-1588the-job training programs. If Congress increases the second 61589months of an apprenticeship program from 80 percent to 901590percent, that would mean that for veterans in a 2 year1591apprenticeship, the first 6 months of the second year of their1592program would see a drop from 90 percent to 60 percent of a1593veteran's MAH payment. That would most likely result in1594increased numbers of veterans choosing to discontinue this1595apprenticeship. With the increasing need for skilled trades and1596other non-degree holding professionals, and the significant1597barriers to employment that still exist for veterans with1598serious disabilities, we should ensure that any veteran who1599decides to enter the trades is fully supported by their earned1600education benefits.1601    Last, I would like to briefly mention H.R. 2878, the Daniel1602J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Service Member1603Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act. Ensuring1604transitioning service members and veterans are aware of1605services and supports offered by the VA is critical in the1606health and well-being of our Nation's veterans, and we should1607do everything we can to improve awareness of these life-saving1608supports and services.1609    I want to remind the subcommittee that not all1610transitioning service members get the traditional TAP1611experience. Those who separate due to illness or injury may not1612get to attend a TAP class due to medical appointments and other1613requirements. The Department of Defense and the VA should do1614everything possible to ensure that all service members and1615veterans know about the mental health support and suicide1616prevention programs made available to them.1617    Mr. Chairman, if I may, I would like to take the last few1618minutes of my testimony to share a profound lost experience at1619Paralyzed Veterans of America. Last week, Len Selfon1620unexpectedly passed away. Len was PVA's general counsel, and he1621worked for more than 30 years in veterans law. Not only did Len1622work for PVA, the United Spinal Association, the Vietnam1623Veterans of America, but he also served as a consultant to the1624Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and was a senior appellate1625attorney in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of1626General Counsel. Len's professionalism, wisdom, and experience1627with nuances in veteran case law will be missed by more than1628just PVA members.1629    Thank you again for the opportunity to share our views on1630some of the bills being considered today, and I would be happy1631to answer any of your questions.16321633    [The Prepared Statement Of Julie Howell Appears In The1634Appendix]16351636    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Thank you for that tribute, and our1637condolences to the entire organization on that loss and the1638loss of our veteran community as well. Thank you. Your1639testimony will be entered into the record as well.1640    Ms. Monet, you are now recognized for 5 minutes.16411642                   STATEMENT OF KATHRYN MONET16431644    Ms. Monet. Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Pappas, and1645distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the1646opportunity to offer views on legislation before you. While1647there are several great bills today, we are providing1648statements on behalf of legislation that would directly affect1649efforts to prevent and or end homelessness among veterans and1650their families.1651    NCHV supports H.R. 7149, the Veteran Housing Promise Act,1652which amends Title 38 to eliminate maximum authorizations of1653appropriations and make permanent the authority for several1654programs supporting homeless veterans. For decades, VA----1655    Mr. Barrett. Can you move your microphone a little closer?1656I am having a hard time hearing you.1657    Ms. Monet. Yes. Is this better?1658    Mr. Barrett. I think so.1659    Ms. Monet. Okay, great.1660    Mr. Barrett. Thank you.1661    Ms. Monet. For decades, VA's homelessness programs have1662been instrumental in reducing veteran homelessness. These1663efforts provide essential services such as outreach, housing1664assistance, employment reintegration, and supportive services1665for vulnerable populations, including women veterans and those1666with children. Yet the current patchwork of time-limited1667authorizations and funding caps pros polluted poses significant1668challenges for program continuity, planning, and the ability of1669community providers to sustain the life-changing services1670veterans rely on.1671    By removing funding caps and time-limited authorizations,1672this legislation provides long-term stability and1673predictability for these proven programs. Such stability allows1674both VA and community based partners to better coordinate care,1675invest in workforce development and ensure that no veteran who1676has served our Nation has to face homelessness or housing1677insecurity due to administrative challenges.1678    Key provisions of this bill, such as the permanent1679authority for the Domiciliary Care and Supportive Services for1680Very Low-Income Veteran Families program, and long-term1681authorization for grants benefiting homeless veterans with1682special needs, will strengthen the Federal response and allow1683for continued progress toward the shared goal of ending veteran1684homelessness.1685    NCHV supports H.R. 7049, the Improving Mental Health Care1686and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act. It seeks to address1687deficiencies in the referral process to homeless programs for1688veterans with positive screenings for housing instability in1689other clinical settings. VHA's homeless clinical screening tool1690is an important way that clinicians are able to identify1691veterans facing housing challenges, especially those who may1692not know help is available or those who may not want to1693disclose their housing status due to stigma or other issues.1694    However, last month, the VA Office of Inspector General1695(OIG) found that in many instances, unclear referral procedures1696and staff inconsistency in following them resulted in veterans1697screening positive but never receiving the housing referrals1698they requested or not receiving them within the prescriptive169930-day timeline. It is unacceptable that bureaucratic1700processes, or the lack thereof, prevented veterans from1701accessing housing support and NCHV. Thanks, Representative1702Valadao and the bill's co-sponsors, for moving quickly to1703address this issue.1704    The focus on timely assessment and intake planning will1705help VA house more veterans. Further, we appreciate the bill's1706focus on ensuring VA identifies appropriate permanent housing1707options for veterans quickly, in addition to addressing long-1708term health and mental health needs. As the Committee considers1709this provision, we encourage frank discussions with VA to1710ensure that VA medical centers are being allowed to hire1711sufficient staff and backfill vacancies to support these1712processes. Further, as team-based case management becomes more1713common, we encourage discussions around ensuring that the1714homeless program staff has appropriate skill sets to identify1715housing placements and support housing navigation rather than1716the usual clinical skills VA tends to prioritize.1717    In conclusion, we commend the committee's leadership for1718advancing policies that recognize homelessness among veterans1719is not just a matter of housing, but of dignity, stability, and1720National responsibility. We stand ready to support1721implementation and continued oversight of all of these1722essential programs. Thank you.17231724    [The Prepared Statement Of Kathryn Monet Appears In The1725Appendix]17261727    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Ms. Monet. The written statement of1728Ms. Monet will be entered into the hearing record. Will now1729proceed to questioning.1730    I am going to recognize myself first for 5 minutes.1731    Starting with Mr. Cook. Thank you again for being here1732today. Really appreciate your testimony. Can you walk our1733committee through the process for a veteran receiving a vehicle1734for the first time, how that approval works, where you enter1735the process, and then where the payment ultimately gets1736remitted so that we can kind of get an understanding of that?1737    Mr. Cook. Sure. There are two programs. The 4502 program1738that was mentioned in the VA's testimony is a--is an auto grant1739that you can get that they get, and it is basically a check.1740The grant is signed by the VA, and you can take it to an1741automobile dealer, you can take it to somebody like us. If you1742do not need a full conversion and you just want to be able to1743get a vehicle that needs hand controls, you want to buy, you1744know, a Ford Expedition, you can go to the Ford dealer, buy1745that. This grant is the $27,000 figure that he referred to.1746Then that is paid to either the dealer or the check comes1747directly to them from the VA. That is--that check--that grant1748is mailed directly to the regional office. You do not have a1749lot of hands touching it. When he said 75 days of that one.1750Yes, because it just--it just goes from here to here.1751    Where the 1394 program is, goes through the prosthetics1752department. The veteran goes into the prosthetics department at1753the VA, and they are prescribed a wheelchair. Then they were1754determined that they need a van to be able to transport back1755and forth either or to drive. There is a prescription written.1756It comes to the dealer, and the dealer basically fills the1757prescription from there on what the requirements are that that1758person needs, what the veteran is. Every veteran is different.1759Some drive, some do not drive, some need specialty steering,1760and whatever those things are. Then once the work is complete,1761the vehicle goes to the VA for inspection, either virtually or1762in person. The VA checks and says, yes, all of these are on1763there. We submit the paperwork to the prosthetics department.1764Prosthetics department then signs off and sends everything to1765the regional office at the Veterans Benefits Administration1766(VBA).1767    That is where things--there is not. Those two departments1768do not talk back and forth. We cannot call one and say we call1769prosthetics, and they say yes, everything's submitted. Then you1770try to figure out, well, is it the regional office that is1771delaying it? The regional office might say, hey, we are missing1772this. You do not get notification to say you are missing us.1773You have to follow up and continue to do so.1774    Today, I got an email while I was here. We got paid on a1775claim from 2023. We also got paid on one from 2024 today.1776There, this is not a 75-day issue. It is much greater than1777that.1778    Mr. Barrett. Well, hopefully, when you are here testifying1779in 10 more years, it will not be on claims from today. We1780appreciate your repeat performance in committee, but we are1781hoping to fix some of these problems nonetheless.1782    If a veteran gets a prescription for a mobility van,1783perhaps their spouse is going to be driving it, but they will1784be riding as a passenger and need a ramp or some other, you1785know, accommodation, or maybe they are going to be driving it1786and need other further accommodations. The veteran would not1787be--it is not designed for them to be paying out of pocket for1788that mobility vehicle, is that correct?1789    Mr. Cook. That is correct.1790    Mr. Barrett. That 20-some-thousand-dollar stipend is for1791modifications to a trip traditional vehicle, whereas the1792prosthetic assessment is for--you need a specifically designed1793vehicle for this purpose. I think, as you shared with me1794before, some of the cost reimbursements are based on data from1795now going on 5 years ago, and certainly, you know, has not kept1796up with cost of living since then. We are now becoming, to grow1797out of--out of sync with what the actual cost of some of these1798products and devices are. Is that also true?1799    Mr. Cook. That is accurate. Right now, the veteran either1800pays out of pocket the difference, or the dealership eats the1801cost of that. You know, you have to make that decision as a--as1802a business owner. You know, it is, to me, it is, you know, the1803reason why the veteran needs this vehicle is for an injury1804sustained during their service to this country. You know, that1805is a promise that the country made to the veteran--1806    Mr. Barrett. Yes.1807    Mr. Cook [continuing]. and it should be fulfilled.1808    Mr. Barrett. Great. Well, thank you. We appreciate that. We1809want to make sure that you are reimbursed and made whole for,1810you know, work that you do and for a fair price.1811    Do you believe that H.R. 7083, the CRUISE Act that you1812spoke about, would help adaptive automotive equipment dealers1813like yourself provide better service for veterans and receive1814timely payment that you rely on?1815    Mr. Cook. Sure. It definitely would have a central source1816that we could go in a clearinghouse, if you will, to be able to1817know--to know what is going on.1818    Mr. Barrett. Yes.1819    Mr. Cook. Right now there is so many things that can be1820interpreted different ways and there is so many hands that1821touch it.1822    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Appreciate your testimony.1823    I now yield to Ranking Member Pappas for 5 minutes.1824    Mr. Pappas. Well, thank you very much. Ms. Howell, thanks1825for being with us. I wanted to start with you, and thanks for1826relating the experience and the dedication that your colleagues1827showed to the veteran community and his service. We express our1828condolences to you and your organization on his passing.1829    I wanted to ask you a question about H.R. 5436. VA could1830not answer this one, but maybe you can. This is about schools1831withholding student veteran transcripts. I am wondering if you1832think that student veterans should receive the same protections1833against schools withholding transcripts as their peers who1834receive Title IV Department of--Department of Education funds.1835    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, sir. Thank you for1836the condolences, everybody. PVA fully supports H.R. 5436. We1837believe that passing this bill will provide parity for a post-18389/11 or any student veteran using VA education benefits. It1839will provide them parity with any Title IV student. We often1840see that transcript withholding is used as a means of debt1841collection, and rarely is it successful. We think passing this1842bill will just provide parity to other students. Particularly1843in the event if a student veteran is in some kind of appeal or1844dispute with VA, who has outstanding payments to the school,1845the veteran should not be on the hook for that.1846    Mr. Pappas. Thanks for being clear on that response. I am1847wondering, you also touched on this in your testimony, but just1848to pull this out again. You talked about this cliff that1849potentially is going to be created here if Congress raises the1850MHA payment rate to veterans using GI Bill to attend1851apprenticeship to 90 percent for months 7 through 12, that this1852creates a drop off in month 13. I am wondering if you can just1853talk about why that is the case and how this would potentially1854impact veterans.1855    Ms. Howell. Yes, sir, absolutely. Thank you again. In the1856one-pager for the bill circulated last Congress, data in the1857one-pager showed that from step, we will say tier, two to three1858for on-the-job training, or OJT program, showed a 56 percent1859dropout rate, and apprenticeship solid 44 percent dropout rate.1860That is without an increased 10 percent loss on their earnings1861that they take home for MHA.1862    As we expressed in our written testimony and in our oral1863testimony, we think that there is an opportunity here to go1864even farther understanding the market demands. In light of the1865hearing we had a couple weeks ago about underused appropriate1866apprenticeship and success after service, we think that we can1867thread the needle on this and increase the MHA rate for all1868veterans using on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs1869because there is a demand in the market, there is a high need1870for these very skilled workers.1871    I just do not--PVA does not think that that 30 percent drop1872in the payment is going to be any kind of solution. We are1873almost guaranteed to see more people drop. Increased oversight1874of the apprenticeship program might be helpful. We have heard1875anecdotally at least that there is an employer obligation to1876supplement that drop. That is why it tiers off the way it does.1877If employers are not contributing their fair share, then that1878is something that needs to be examined.1879    Mr. Pappas. Thank you very much.1880    Ms. Monet, H.R. 7049 regarding mental health care and1881coordination for homeless veterans, from your testimony in VA's1882testimony and hearing from current grant recipients, sounds1883like VA employees working within the Homeless--Homelessness1884Program Office are already required to do what is outlined in1885the bill. Should the focus of the legislation be requiring1886other parts of VA or community partners that come into contact1887with a homeless veteran to conduct the reporting and ensure1888that a warm handoff for that veteran is needed--who is needed--1889needing resources?1890    Ms. Monet. I think anything that we can do to connect1891veterans to resources quickly is a good, a very good thing.1892What I will say is that intake processes do vary by community.1893Some of them have one single door of entry. One of, some of1894them have, you know, no wrong door options. I do think from1895what I understand, the bill was designed to address really this1896low-hanging fruit, right, of veterans coming into VA and1897screening positive for homelessness or homelessness or housing1898instability, but never getting connected to any services. To1899me, I think that is probably the right starting point, and then1900we expand out to other providers and resources from there.1901    Mr. Pappas. Well, thank you.1902    Mr. Cook, thanks very much for your testimony as well. I1903come from a small business background, and if my business was1904owed $2.1 million from our customers, we would not have been1905opened as long as we have been. I thank you for your1906perseverance. I know that you know it is focused on how you can1907meet the needs of veterans. Frankly, you should not have to put1908up with this. What we do not want to see is for businesses that1909are providing important services for disabled veterans to just1910walk away because of their frustration with VA's processes.1911    You talked about this being an issue with the system1912itself. I hope that there is room here for a modern Information1913Technology (IT) system where you can quickly fill out forms,1914have those updated, and track the process of in-progress of1915claims approvals and payments. Is that something that you think1916would help provide some clarity to your business?1917    Mr. Cook. You know, it would. There is--but in the CRUISE1918Act, you know, it is, it leaves it, it is open enough where we1919can work within the current system because, you know, an IT1920upgrade is going to take years. Right now, with the CRUISE Act,1921if we can get that, if we will get that passed and implemented,1922that at least will give us a faster way to--to our end goal.1923    Mr. Pappas. Well, I appreciate that. We are really1924committed to working on this and finding a solution. Thanks1925very much for your testimony.1926    Mr. Cook. Thank you.1927    Mr. Pappas. I yield back.1928    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. The Ranking Member yields.1929    Mr. McGarvey, you are recognized for 5 minutes.1930    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for1931being here today.1932    Mr. Cook, I am going to start with you coming up here from1933Louisville, Kentucky. First of all, we appreciate what you do1934for our veterans, what you do in our community. You had1935mentioned while you are sitting there that today you found out1936that a claim has been paid you submitted in 2023.1937    Mr. Cook. Yes, sir.1938    Mr. McGarvey. We are going to let the record explicitly1939show it is 2026. It is--it is unbelievable to me, and quite1940frankly, it is completely unacceptable that that has happened.1941That does not just impact you, that goes to the heart of what1942we do here on this committee that impacts our veterans. As Mr.1943Pappas said, when you run a small business and people are not1944paying you for the services you provide, it is hard to stay1945open. When the service you provide is getting our veterans1946where they need to go, that is a real problem. Not only have1947you--it is 2026, and you are talking about payments from 2023.1948It is my understanding the VA is supposed to process and pay1949these claims within 30 days, correct?1950    Mr. Cook. That is correct.1951    Mr. McGarvey. Okay, 30 days. Again, 2023. 2026. I am not1952the best at math, but it is my understanding that that is more1953than 30 days. Appreciate you being here and sharing these1954stories because we need to hear how this is actually happening1955out there for our veterans and for the people who provide those1956services.1957    There are some VA locations that process claims even more1958slowly. You hinted at this as well. There might be some issues1959with invoices. There might be dealers who are not notified. Can1960you talk just a little bit more about what this system looks1961like, maybe even give an example of how these problems hurt our1962veterans or could slow down their access to the mobility1963equipment they need?1964    Mr. Cook. Well, it is right now, as I said in my testimony,1965there are dealers that are having to make the decision, is it1966can I afford to do business with the VA? A lot of our veterans1967come from rural areas. Again, if you do not have1968transportation, you know, all of these other things that these1969folks are talking about today with employment, you cannot get1970there if you do not have a vehicle. You know, again, if1971something happens to one of our vehicles today, you know, we1972can hop in an Uber, we can borrow a family member's car. Well,1973if you are a disabled veteran and you have a vehicle customized1974for you, you do not. When it is down, you are down. We have--1975the impact is also, you know, of a startup. If you are a smart1976startup, you are trying to get into this industry, and you are1977like, hey, this is great. We can, you know, sell to the VA and1978serve veterans. You have got a brand new business, and you are1979not getting paid. You are not going to be in business very1980long. You know, it affects--it does not just--it affects the1981business side of it, but the whole key is the veteran. If a1982veteran does not have a choice where to go and a veteran does1983not have a close dealer to get their vehicle worked on, then,1984you know, then they are--they are at home.1985    Mr. McGarvey. Yes. It is so important you--you bring up a1986point that I think you brought up to me in the airport just a1987few days ago as both of us were flying up here. When veterans1988are getting in these vehicles, getting in these vehicles1989because of their disability or their wheelchair, this is not1990something that just happened randomly. This is connected to1991their service. This is connected to what they did for us. I1992appreciate you being here.1993    Ms. Howell, just want to go to you really quickly. Your1994written testimony makes it clear that PVA supports ending1995transcript withholding. Can you tell me how this policy affects1996veterans with disabilities who already face barriers to getting1997hired?1998    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, sir. This is not my1999area of expertise. As far as the transcripts to justify2000employment. We have heard stories of, not from our membership2001per se, but we have heard stories of veterans who are in a long2002hiring pipeline, and they thought they did the work, and there2003is a small outstanding debt. Next thing you know, the job is2004gone because they cannot get the transcript. Now, I do not want2005to give a pass to people who have legitimate costs that they2006have incurred at a campus. I used to work for a college or a2007university. There is an obligation for veterans to be on the2008ball for some of this stuff. Ultimately, using transcript2009withholding as a means of debt collection is not an effective2010practice. Who knows, maybe the veteran gets a job and then has2011the money to pay an outstanding debt.2012    Mr. McGarvey. Seems like it might be a logical next step.2013Your testimony also raised concerns about how many veterans2014drop out of apprenticeship programs, about 44 percent. What2015changes should these programs make to be more accessible and2016sustainable for long-term for veterans with significant2017disabilities?2018    Ms. Howell. I feel like that is enough content to probably2019be its own hearing, sir. I do think that continuing to make2020better connections between VA, DOL vets, the industry2021professionals, I think if we lean in on the programs that2022exist, we have an opportunity to sort of be better all around.2023That is not to say necessarily that Transition or SkillBridge2024or any of the existing pipelines that serve a very small number2025of veterans, like they do great work, but in making sure that2026the apprenticeships veterans are connected to are with2027honorable and legitimate employers who are going to hold up2028their end of the bargain. I think that is critical.2029    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you. Mr. Chairman I yield back.2030    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Appreciate it. Out of a sense of2031urgency, the floor just opened for votes, but I want to2032recognize Ms. Ramirez. I imagine you probably have a couple of2033questions.2034    Ms. Ramirez. Just a couple.2035    Mr. Barrett. Sure.2036    Ms. Ramirez. Try to get through them so we can make it to2037votes as quickly as possible. Thank you again to the witnesses2038for being here. As a former nonprofit executive director that2039served unhoused neighbors, including many veterans, I2040understand that oftentimes the gap between our ability to2041fulfill our mission and the realities on the ground really come2042back to resources.2043    For many housing and homeless service providers, timely2044Federal grants are an essential part of the resources layered2045together to meet the needs of our neighbors. I am clear that to2046ensure every veteran has full access to the first full spectrum2047of benefits that they have earned and deserve, we have to2048ensure the programs and services that the VA offers are2049consistently fully funded.2050    Just over the past few years, there has been consistent2051investments on veteran homelessness. As a result of that,2052National Point-in-Time Count data shows that not only have we2053made progress in reducing veteran homelessness, but veterans2054are actually the only population who has seen a decline in2055rates of homelessness according to the Point-in-Time Count.2056From the provider perspective, one of the biggest drivers of2057instability is not funding cuts. It is Congress allowing2058authorizations and statutory caps to lapse or fall out of sync2059with appropriations.2060    Ms. Monet, can you describe the real world impact of this2061instability on providers and veterans? Can you explain why2062permanent authorization matters?2063    Ms. Monet. Yes, absolutely. I think there are a lot of2064factors when you think about community planning and how systems2065work together, and knowing what you have got in your community2066and being able to project out how programs will work together2067to meet the needs of veterans.2068    From a provider perspective, I mean, I think you have been2069a nonprofit executive, so we all manage the budget. It is not2070very different than, you know, being a small business. Right?2071When you lose out on that funding, you are thinking about2072making staffing changes, how you are going to reduce services2073to pay the people you have got and pay the bills. You are2074dealing enrollments to make sure that you can manage with what2075you have got, and you are delaying subsidy payments to2076veterans.2077    What that looks like in practice for veterans, right, is,2078you know, longer delays to accessing their case management with2079their, you know, local case manager. It might look like2080starting over with a new case manager and a new treatment plan2081from what you had before. It could look like a longer-term time2082outside if your local shelter is not able to admit new2083veterans. If you are on SSVF, that might mean that they are not2084able to pay for your rent anymore. In a normal environment, we2085might look to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development2086(HUD)-funded programs to help. Right now, the HUD Continuum of2087Care (CoC) program is in a little bit of a precarious position.2088    There is not a lot of safety net out there to catch these2089veterans right now. If you are in a community where they are2090criminalizing or looking at finding, signing, ticketing in2091jails as their predominant solution to homelessness, it gets2092even worse.2093    Ms. Ramirez. Yes. Thank you, Ms. Monet. Instability.2094    Ms. Monet. Absolutely.2095    Ms. Ramirez. That is really what it boils down to. It means2096that many of our veterans are either at risk of homelessness or2097unable to move into permanent, affordable housing.2098    I want to pivot really quickly in the last 2 minutes I have2099here to talk about the truth of the so-called Affordable2100Housing Guarantee Act. Let me be clear, as a former housing2101provider, as someone that has worked on housing for many years,2102I am supportive of making every investment we need to2103prioritize ending veteran homelessness.2104    Unfortunately, I know that it is not the orientation of2105every member of the committee because I have listened to2106colleagues previously discuss drastic cuts to funding for2107programs that are dedicated to our most vulnerable veterans. It2108seems like sometimes Republicans champion socialism when it2109benefits the rich and powerful, who they think deserve it most.2110However, keeping disabled veterans stably housed has to be the2111priority of this committee, especially for those on fixed2112incomes who are one mortgage payment away from a crisis or from2113losing their home. Yet, as written, the Affordable Housing2114Guarantee Act proposes doubling the VA loan guarantee on the2115theory that lenders will lower rates because their risk is2116reduced.2117    This question is for you, Ms. Howell. What confidence does2118your organization have that those savings will actually reach2119disabled veterans? The follow up to that is, what protections2120would you need to ensure that this policy strengthens housing2121stability rather than just simply increasing lender profits?2122    Ms. Howell. Thank you for that question, ma'am. I am going2123to start by saying I am in no way a mortgage expert. PVA is not2124necessary--we have concerns with this legislation because we do2125not understand how just increasing the amount of the guarantee2126is guaranteed to reduce any kind of rates. I think, rightly or2127wrongly, and I am not trying to throw any accusations here, but2128industry is going to look out for industry.2129    Ms. Ramirez. That is right.2130    Ms. Howell. Regardless of what it is. Because of that, we2131do not necessarily agree with just raising the guarantee amount2132for the sake of raising it in the hopes that industry might be2133benevolent in that regard.2134    Ms. Ramirez. Any protections that you think need to be on2135it in the last 7 seconds, we have?2136    Ms. Howell. Honestly, when it comes to the home loan, I am2137not entirely sure I am prepared to say anything around that,2138particularly as we wait to see the partial claim program rolled2139out and see if that was effective.2140    Ms. Ramirez. Well, thank you, Ms. Howell. My time is up,2141but I appreciate you. With that, I yield back.2142    Mr. Barrett. Thank you. Ms. Ramirez yields.2143    With that, thank you to the panelists for being here.2144    I know, Mr. Smith, I am not sure if you got a question on2145the panel, but I appreciate you being here nonetheless, and2146your testimony.2147    In the interest of expediting our departure to go vote, I2148will yield to the ranking member for any closing remarks you2149have.2150    Thank you all again for participating in today's hearing. I2151have received a number of statements for the record, which will2152be submitted into the record as long as they meet submission2153requirements. I ask unanimous consent that all members have 52154legislative days, revise and extend the remarks, and include2155extraneous material. Without objection, so ordered.2156    This hearing is adjourned.2157    [Whereupon, at 4:11 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]2158=======================================================================21592160                         A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X21612162=======================================================================21632164                    Prepared Statements of Witnesses21652166                              ----------21672168                  Prepared Statement of Kenneth Smith2169[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]21702171                 Prepared Statement of Jeremiah Workman21722173    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished2174Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify2175at today's legislative hearing. The mission of the Department of Labor2176(DOL or Department), Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS),2177is to prepare America's veterans, service members, and military spouses2178for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and2179expertise, protect their employment rights, and promote their2180employment opportunities. As a retired Staff Sergeant of the United2181States Marine Corps, combat veteran, Navy Cross recipient and a2182tireless advocate for veterans, I am honored and humbled to serve as2183Assistant Secretary of DOL VETS. While I've only been with VETS for2184less than a month, I'm impressed by their dedication to the VETS2185mission.2186    President Donald Trump has demonstrated his unrelenting support for2187our military, veterans, and military spouses, placing a renewed2188national focus on honoring their service and expanding their2189opportunities after they leave the uniform behind. We owe our eternal2190thanks to those who have served our country. Public service has long2191been a part of my family's story. My grandfather served in World War II2192and my father is a U.S. Army veteran. For me, the decision to serve2193came early--I enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17. On the morning of2194September 11, 2001, I was in a barber shop at Parris Island. A few2195years later, in December 2004, I was deployed with a team of Marines to2196Fallujah, Iraq, as part of Operation Phantom Fury. Our mission was2197going house to house clearing insurgents in one of the fiercest urban2198battles of the Iraq War. During one operation, we engaged more than two2199dozen insurgents fortified inside a safe house. The details of that day2200are well documented, and I won't recount them all here--but I will say2201this: the bravery and sacrifice I witnessed from my fellow Marines on2202that day continues to inspire my life's work.2203    Since leaving active duty, I've committed myself to serving2204veterans. Throughout my work in the government and the private sector,2205I've always had the same focus--making sure veterans don't fall through2206the cracks. I've seen how powerful the right support at the right time2207can be. And I've also seen what happens when we fail to deliver. I've2208experienced firsthand both the immense pride of military service and2209the complex challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. I've2210also seen the untapped potential that every veteran carries with them2211after service. That's why I'm committed to the mission of DOL VETS, and2212to working with Congress to continuously improve our programs.22132214                H.R. 982: The Warriors to Workforce Act22152216    This bill would amend 38 U.S.C. 3313(g)(3)(B) to increase the2217Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Monthly Housing2218Allowance\1\ (MHA) benefits for apprenticeships and on-the-job training2219(OJT) programs from 80 percent to 90 percent during the second 6-month2220period of the program.2221---------------------------------------------------------------------------2222    \1\ https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/post-9-11-gi-bill-2223rates/#monthly housing-allowance2224---------------------------------------------------------------------------2225    As you know, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is an education benefit2226program administered by VA. For qualifying individuals, the program2227provides tuition, fees, MHA, and other related benefits. The MHA is2228calculated by VA based off the location of the educational program, and2229locations with a higher cost of living generally have a higher MHA.2230Eligible individuals can utilize their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits for2231apprenticeship and on-the-job training (OJT) programs. This includes2232Registered Apprenticeships, a highly effective pathway to develop in-2233demand skills while also earning a paycheck from day one. Registered2234Apprenticeships train workers for careers using a structured2235combination of paid OJT and related instruction. In addition to being2236an effective sector-based strategy, training programs focused on2237skilled trade jobs provide participants with transferable education,2238licenses, certifications, and work experience that are valuable across2239many in-demand job sectors. Extensive evidence from ``gold standard''2240randomized evaluations has shown that sector-focused training programs2241designed to prepare workers for industries with strong employer demand2242can lead to substantial and long-lasting earnings gains.\2\ Registered2243Apprenticeships also help employers attract and retain veterans, in2244part because some may offer a structured training environment similar2245to their military experience.2246---------------------------------------------------------------------------2247    \2\ Katz, Lawrence F., Roth, Jonathan, Hendra, Richard, and2248Schaberg, Kelsey (April 2022). Why Do Sectoral Employment Programs2249Work? Lessons from WorkAdvance. Journal of Labor Economics (40, S1).2250https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/7179322251---------------------------------------------------------------------------2252    Post-9/11 G.I. Bill MHA benefits do not decrease over time for2253participants who attend an institution of higher learning (i.e.,2254colleges and universities) and certain other non-college degree2255programs. But under current law, the MHA for apprenticeship and OJT2256programs decreases every 6 months. Participants earn 100 percent of2257their MHA for the first 6 months of training, 80 percent during the2258second 6 months, 60 percent for the third 6 months, 40 percent for the2259fourth 6 months, and 20 percent during the rest of the training period.2260Less than 0.5 percent of G.I. Bill participants utilize their benefits2261for apprenticeships and OJT, including just 0.31 percent (1,784 out of2262573,732) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.\3\2263---------------------------------------------------------------------------2264    \3\ https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2024-education.pdf2265---------------------------------------------------------------------------2266    In April 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order on2267Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the2268Future,\4\ which established that it is the policy of the United States2269to optimize and target Federal investments in workforce development to2270align with our country's reindustrialization needs and equip American2271workers to fill the growing demand for skilled trades and other2272occupations. In the Executive Order, the President set the goal of at2273least one million new active apprentices nationwide. This goal is2274closely aligned with current labor market demand. Skilled trade jobs2275are facing a significant labor shortage, leading to increased demand2276for qualified workers. In alignment with the President's priorities and2277the growing demand for highly skilled trade jobs, it is my hope that we2278can continue to expand veteran participation in Registered2279Apprenticeship programs.2280---------------------------------------------------------------------------2281    \4\ Executive Order 14278: https://www.Federalregister.gov/2282documents/2025/04/28/2025-07369/preparing-americans-for-high-paying-2283skilled-trade-jobs-of-the-future22842285    DOL supports this bill.22862287  H.R. XXXX: To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the2288   maximum authorizations of appropriations for certain benefits for2289homeless veterans administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and2290 to make permanent the authority of the Secretary to carry out certain2291                    programs for homeless veterans.22922293    This bill would, among other provisions, amend Title 38 of the U.S.2294Code\5\ to eliminate the maximum authorizations of appropriations for2295the DOL VETS-administered Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program2296(HVRP) and related grants.2297---------------------------------------------------------------------------2298    \5\ Section 2(c) of the bill is premised on the authorization of2299appropriations at 38 U.S.C. 2021A(f) running through 2025. This2300authorization was, however, extended from 2025 to 2026 in the most2301recent Continuing Resolution. See Pub. L. No. 119-37, Sec.  7301, 1392302Stat. 495, 650 (2025). We recommend revising section 2(c) of the bill2303to account for this latest statutory amendment.2304---------------------------------------------------------------------------2305    HVRP is the only Federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive2306employment for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, so2307that they can reach their full employment potential and obtain high-2308paying careers. In Program Year (PY) 2024, HVRP awarded more than $612309million to 161 grantees, and served 15,888 veterans across the country.2310Participants had median second quarter after exit earnings of $8,710,2311and average hourly wages at job placement increased to $19.49, up from2312$19.44 the previous year. Each HVRP participant receives customized2313employment and training services to address their specific barriers to2314employment. Services may include occupational, classroom, and on-the-2315job training, as well as job search and placement assistance and post-2316placement follow-up services.2317    The Department strongly supports HVRP and shares Congress'2318commitment to improving outcomes for veterans experiencing2319homelessness. However, the Department has concerns with provisions in2320this bill that would eliminate maximum authorizations of appropriations2321in favor of ``such sums as may be necessary.'' Removing these statutory2322guardrails would reduce fiscal discipline and undermine effective2323program oversight. The Department is prepared to work with the2324Committee on amendments that preserve Congress' intent while2325maintaining reasonable authorization levels and accountability measures2326so HVRP can continue delivering strong results for veterans and2327taxpayers. DOL VETS-funded staff in American Job Centers will continue2328to help HVRP grant recipients achieve job placement and retention goals2329by providing workforce system resources that support case management,2330direct employer contact, job development, and follow-up services.23312332    DOL supports this bill if amended.23332334                   H.R. 4105: The ``VET Act of 2025''23352336    This bill would establish a new $60 million per year grant program2337administered by DOL to assist members of the Armed Forces who are2338transitioning to civilian employment, veterans, and their spouses to2339obtain employment in the energy industry. Grants would be provided to2340entities whose primary function is the generation, transmission,2341storage, or distribution of energy, and the manufacture or distribution2342of equipment and components critical to the energy industry. Grant2343funds could be used for recruitment, training, education, licensure,2344certification, orientation, administrative, and relocation costs. Each2345grantee could be awarded no more than $10,000 per covered individual2346and no more than $500,000 total in any fiscal year. DOL would be2347required to coordinate with VA and the Department of War (DoW) to avoid2348duplication with existing programs for transitioning service members,2349including the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), SkillBridge, and2350Solid Start. The bill also requires consultation with the Transition2351Executive Committee and submission of an initial and final coordination2352plan, an annual coordination report, and DOL's evaluation of and2353recommendations for the program created by this bill.2354    DOL VETS shares the Committee's commitment to helping transitioning2355service members, veterans, and military spouses connect to jobs in the2356energy sector. However, the Department has significant concerns with2357the approach in this bill, which would establish a new, industry-2358specific grant program that directly subsidizes employers for these2359costs. This model is uncommon in Federal workforce programs, which2360generally invest in education providers, the public workforce system,2361and/or State and local governments. Directly making payments to2362businesses for their recruitment, training, and related costs in the2363way that the bill mandates may lead to several unintended consequences.2364For example, employers may fire some of their current employees to make2365room for new employees who qualify for the $10,000 per person2366reimbursement, and potentially cycle through new employees every year,2367harming retention. Employers could also recruit employees for low-skill2368positions with low wages which are still technically employed within2369the energy industries identified in the bill and still be reimbursed2370$10,000 per qualifying employee. In addition, the bill's annual2371reporting framework may limit the Department's ability to provide more2372frequent technical assistance and monitor performance to ensure funds2373support high-quality training and strong employment outcomes, including2374wages and credential attainment.2375    More broadly, creating a new industry-and population-specific grant2376program runs counter to the Administration's emphasis on consolidating2377workforce development programs at DOL, as laid out in ``America's2378Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age,'' rather2379than expanding the footprint though new categorical initiatives.2380Streamlining these programs reduces administrative overhead and2381compliance burden for grantees and partners, limits duplicative Federal2382bureaucracy, and helps ensure a greater share of Federal resources is2383directed to direct services and measurable outcomes for veterans.2384    Some businesses, especially small businesses, may lack the capacity2385or expertise needed to apply for and manage Federal grants. In2386contrast, State and local workforce development boards\6\ are business-2387led organizations designed to manage Federal education and training2388grants and connect employers to job seekers in their communities2389through the administration of approximately 2,300 American Job Centers2390across the country. These one-stop locations offer a broad range of2391career and supportive services to the public, such as employment2392services, job training programs (including Registered Apprenticeships),2393unemployment compensation, and referrals to other programs. Veterans2394receive priority of service for all workforce training programs funded2395in whole or in part by DOL, as established by the Jobs for Veterans Act2396of 2002 (38 U.S.C. Sec.  4215), ensuring that they are always at the2397front of the line for these resources.2398---------------------------------------------------------------------------2399    \6\ Established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act2400(WIOA) Sections 101 and 107.2401---------------------------------------------------------------------------2402    DOL VETS also administers the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG)2403program, which provides funding for dedicated staff who work in the2404American Job Centers to provide individualized career and training-2405related services to eligible veterans and other eligible persons, and2406to assist employers to fill their workforce needs with job-seeking2407veterans. JVSG staff also partner with TAP, and transitioning service2408members who need such assistance receive ``warm handover'' person-to-2409person connections to American Job Centers. JVSG and other American Job2410Center staff would therefore be well situated to assist energy2411employers with recruiting and training veterans and other eligible2412employees.2413    The Department looks forward to working with the Committee on2414alternative approaches that advance these shared goals by leveraging2415existing workforce and veterans' employment programs and strengthening2416connections between employers and veterans through the proven American2417Job Center network.24182419                               Conclusion24202421    I appreciate the opportunity to speak before you today and welcome2422any questions you may have. Thank you for your continued support of2423veterans and the many programs to support them through the Department2424of Labor.24252426                     Prepared Statement of Sam Cook2427[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]24282429                   Prepared Statement of Larry Smith24302431    Thank you, Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and2432Subcommittee members for this opportunity. As a veteran committed to2433helping others enter the semiconductor industry, I believe these2434proposals will better connect veterans to rewarding careers.2435    My name is Larry Smith. After a decade in the Army, including time2436on active duty and in the reserves after graduating from West Point, I2437worked 35 years in the semiconductor industry, serving as President and2438Chairman of Tokyo Electron US for 14 years. Now retired, I have2439``pivoted to purpose'' focused on hiring and housing veterans and serve2440as Vice Chair of the Governor's Executive Committee for the Texas2441Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and Chairman of the Board of Mobile2442Loaves and Fishes. I have also been on SEMI's North American Advisory2443Board.2444    More than 10 years ago, I chose to recruit field engineers from2445three groups, including veterans. During this period, I was lucky2446enough to collaborate with my close friend Paul E. Funk II, who later2447became a four-star General and led the Army's Training and Doctrine2448Command (TRADOC). Paul and I began our military careers as young2449lieutenants together at Fort Hood, and our friendship has lasted ever2450since. He helped me and my team connect with key leaders at the2451Transition Assistance Program (TAPS) and take part in job fairs.2452    After years of recruiting veterans, I saw that our industry--2453spanning thousands of companies--could reach far more people than we2454had so far. I proposed recruiting veterans as a talent pipeline to2455SEMI's CEO and presented this idea as a keynote speaker at two major2456trade shows attended by over 35,000 people last year. My talks2457addressed why and how to recruit veterans into the semiconductor2458industry, highlighting their valuable attributes and technical skills.2459    The Semiconductor Industry Association released an updated report2460in December 2025 detailing both ongoing and anticipated investments in2461semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Since 2020, the semiconductor2462sector has announced more than 140 projects across 28 states,2463representing over $600 billion in private investment. These initiatives2464are projected to create and support over 500,000 U.S. jobs, including246570,000 facility positions, and 122,000 construction roles. This2466projected growth is anticipated to create significant demand for2467technicians, rendering these positions well-suited for transitioning2468service members who are seeking impactful careers that support national2469security. Currently, semiconductors are integral to geopolitical2470competition and underpin advancements in artificial intelligence,2471quantum computing, space exploration, and defense technologies.2472Collaborative job training programs and efforts to expand the pool of2473STEM educators can address the talent shortage, with veterans serving2474as an excellent resource to meet this demand.2475    Let me share some details on a project in Killeen TX that can be a2476model to consider.2477    The Military Talent Pipeline, near Fort Hood, helps service members2478and their spouses transition to jobs in fields like semiconductor2479technology and design, STEM education, cybersecurity, data analytics,2480and law enforcement. It is funded by Federal (HUD), State, industry,2481and local partners, with the Killeen Economic Development Corporation2482donating a 25,000-square-foot facility. The project also received a2483$2.5 million Federal grant for renovating the donated building.2484    Additional support for the project includes workforce development2485funds from the TEXAS CHIPS ACT, upcoming appropriations, pending Senate2486review, a $2 million fab tool donation from Tokyo Electron, and a $22487million allocation from the Texas legislature. Collaborative partners2488include the Texas University System and local community colleges. Texas2489A&M Central Texas, led by Dr Richard Rhodes, donated $2 million to2490Temple College to help establish a semiconductor lab near the new2491Samsung site. Project leaders are creating the playbook and sharing it2492with other U.S. regions, including Arizona and New York.2493    Additionally, I'm proud of our team's work at Tokyo Electron US.2494Our goal is to be a trusted global partner providing technology that2495enables life. We've invested billions in US semiconductor manufacturing2496and R&D, participate in PAYS, and have earned several military-friendly2497awards from the DOL and DoW. As a member of SEMI VETWORKS, this team2498helped reach over 150,000 military members through outreach over the2499last 3 years. The ChipPath Career Site lists job opportunities from25001,000+ SEMI members and supports military personnel with resources,2501tools, and career coaching.2502    Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of the2503initiatives before this subcommittee today. (H.R. 4015 and Discussion2504Draft: Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act). I am2505happy to answer your questions.25062507                   Prepared Statement of Julie Howell25082509    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and members of the2510subcommittee, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) appreciates the2511opportunity to share our views on some of the legislation before the2512subcommittee today. PVA members - veterans who have incurred a spinal2513cord injury or disorder (SCI/D), experience the breadth of VA care and2514benefits in unique ways due to their injuries and illnesses. We welcome2515the chance to show how some of this legislation may impact our members.25162517H.R. 982, the Warriors to Workforce Act25182519    The Warriors to Workforce Act would amend 38 U.S.C. Sec.25203313(g)(3)(B) by increasing the monthly housing allowance (MHA) for2521full-time apprenticeships and other on the job training (OJT) programs2522for student veterans using their Post-9/11 GI Bill.2523    Currently, when a veteran is using their Post-9/11 GI Bill for an2524apprenticeship, they are paid 100 percent of the MHA rate for the first25256 months of their program. The second 6 months is paid out at 802526percent of the full MHA rate for the locality. During the first 62527months of the second year of their apprenticeship a veteran receives 602528percent of the MHA rate and the last 6 months of a 2-year program is2529paid out at 40 percent of the MHA rate.2530    The Warriors to Workforce Act would increase the amount of MHA paid2531to a veteran from 80 percent to 90 percent during the second half of2532their first year of an apprenticeship. PVA has no objections to the2533increase; however, the drop from 90 percent to 60 percent in the first25346 months of the second year of a program will be an even bigger2535financial hit on those veterans. Thus, we think the bill could go2536farther.2537    OJT program data shared by the committee last year shows high2538dropout rates. Apprenticeships see a 44 percent dropout rate between2539steps two and three, and OJT programs see a 56 percent dropout rate.2540Further, an article published by Urban Wire in 2021 discusses how the2541GI Bill underserves apprenticeships.\1\ Less than 1 percent of GI Bill2542recipients use their educational benefit for apprenticeships or OJT2543programs, and we believe the VA should do more to raise awareness of2544the non-traditional education paths available through the Post-9/11 GI2545Bill.2546---------------------------------------------------------------------------2547    \1\ The Post-9/11 GI Bill Underserves Apprentices, April 27, 2021.2548---------------------------------------------------------------------------2549    Veterans choosing to enroll in an apprenticeship program or OJT2550programs should not be penalized for their decision to bypass2551enrollment in traditional higher education programs; thus, we suggest2552amending the language within the bill to authorize the full MHA rate2553for up to 2 years as a veteran participates in apprenticeship or OJT2554programs. Additionally, employers should not be able to adjust the2555participant's pay because of that allowance. Until VA exercises greater2556oversight for approved apprenticeship programs and takes steps to2557ensure that employers are increasing compensation in coordination with2558increased and improved skills, veterans are going to continue to enroll2559in institutions of higher learning rather than apprenticeship programs.2560    Raising awareness, coupled with an increase in MHA rates for2561apprenticeships and other OJT programs, could improve opportunities,2562particularly for PVA members. Significant barriers to employment exist2563for veterans with catastrophic disabilities and offering non-2564traditional education and employment opportunities for those that are2565seeking them should be prioritized by VA education service.25662567H.R. 2878, the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving2568Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act25692570    PVA supports this legislation, which seeks to strengthen 10 U.S.C.2571Sec.  1142(b) and 38 U.S.C. Sec.  6320(b)(1) by including more robust2572language around mental health services provided by the Secretary of2573Defense through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the VA2574Secretary through the Solid Start Program.2575    Ensuring that transitioning servicemembers and veterans are aware2576of services and supports offered by the VA is critical in the health2577and well-being of our Nation's veterans. Information about the vast2578mental health resources provided by the VA should be disseminated to2579the greatest degree possible.2580    We want to take this opportunity to remind Congress that not all2581servicemembers receive a traditional TAP experience. Servicemembers who2582are separated due to illness or injury are often placed in a Wounded2583Warrior Platoon or another transition-focused unit. This bill could be2584improved by including language directing the Department of Defense to2585ensure these individuals receive this critical information.25862587H.R. 4105, the VET Act of 202525882589    This bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to create a grant2590program to hire more military-affiliated people in the energy sector.2591Access to this program would be limited to servicemembers who have a2592military occupational specialty, training, or experience related to2593energy production, construction, or manufacturing, as well as service-2594connected veterans and homeless veterans or veterans facing significant2595barriers to employment. Creating an additional DOL grant program for a2596specific sector to incentivize veteran employment seems redundant.2597Instead, PVA would support additional funding to allow the department2598to direct existing efforts to address the needs of this sector.25992600H.R. 5436, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a2601transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of2602education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance26032604    Regulatory changes that went into effect for the Department of2605Education in July 2024 established that institutions of higher2606education could no longer withhold a student's transcript or take other2607negative actions against a student due to an error on the school's2608part, if that student was receiving title IV funds. Transcript2609withholding as a means of debt collection is a customary practice in2610the education sector, but for many veterans, the outstanding debt is2611often disputed, making it a complicated issue. PVA supports this bill2612which would create parity for students using VA education benefits by2613prohibiting a school from withholding a student's transcript due to2614outstanding institutional charges. PVA supports this legislation.26152616H.R. 5634, the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 202526172618    This bill would amend 38 U.S.C. Sec.  3313 by adding subsection (m)2619and establishing a maximum total cost ceiling of $100,000 for flight2620training for an individual at a public institution, which would bring2621them in line with the limits on non-degree flight training programs at2622private institutions. There is currently no ceiling for flight training2623programs when those programs lead to a degree despite there being2624limits for other programs at institutions of higher learning. PVA2625supports this legislation, which caps the amount available for flight2626training and ties the amount to the consumer price index.26272628Discussion Draft, the CRUISE Act26292630    VA's Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program prescribes and2631pays for adaptive equipment to allow eligible veterans to safely2632operate and enter/exit their vehicles. Many of these adaptations are2633done by dealers outside of the VA and reimbursements for their work are2634processed by the individual VA medical centers (VAMC). Many PVA members2635and the dealerships that serve them have complained of late payments by2636a few VAMCs. This has caused some of the smaller dealerships2637considerable financial hardship and discouraged others from working2638with the department. Because the AAE programs are run by the individual2639VAMCs, there is no uniformity in the processing time across the nation.2640    As written, this drag bill requires VA to centralize the process2641for making AAE payments at VA Central Office and directs the department2642to track and resolve payments that are more than 90 days overdue. PVA2643strongly supports the intent of this drag legislation but believes it2644could be improved. Specifically, we would like to see language2645providing more information on how the centralization of the process2646should be conducted. We would be happy to work with the bill's sponsor2647to develop appropriate language. The AAE program is extremely important2648to paralyzed veterans all over the nation and a mistake in this process2649could prove to be catastrophic.26502651Discussion Draft, the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for2652Homeless Veterans Act26532654    PVA supports this draft bill. Veterans Health Administration (VHA)2655Directive 1501 established the VHA Homeless Programs in 2016 and the2656changes proposed by this legislation would codify internal improvements2657that the VA and Congress have made over the years, ensuring that2658advances made in combating veteran homelessness are not forgotten.2659    Section (a)(1) and (2) of the legislation describes the assessment2660process and directs VA to identify the physical needs of a veteran and2661create a plan to address them. It is critical to note that veterans who2662are experiencing homelessness, and living with an SCI/D, may need to be2663referred to a VA SCI/D center to assess their health status and ensure2664there are no serious health concerns. To be successful, implementation2665of this legislation would need to consider the situations of all2666veterans who may be experiencing homelessness.26672668Discussion Draft, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for2669Veterans Act26702671    This draft legislation seeks to add ``emerging technology'' to 382672U.S.C. Sec.  3699C. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans2673Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 118-210) reauthorized the2674Veterans Affairs High Technology Program, or Vet Tech. VA has not2675provided any data about the Vet Tech program to stakeholders in more2676than a year, so we have no insight into current enrollment or impact of2677the reauthorization. PVA defers to the VA regarding whether this2678legislation is necessary, because it is our understanding that the2679department is already counting the programs listed within the draft2680text in their eligible program lists for Vet Tech enrollment.26812682Discussion Draft, the Affordable Housing Guarantee Act26832684    PVA has concerns with this draft legislation, which seeks to2685increase the amount covered by the VA home loan program to 50 percent,2686up from 25 percent of the loan amount. This legislation would benefit2687the mortgage industry by providing an additional 25 percent of coverage2688in the event of a foreclosure. PVA shares concerns voiced by Chairman2689Van Orden in a February 2024 subcommittee hearing where he expressed2690apprehensions about the amount of debt covered by the VA when it comes2691to home loans and the financial burden assumed by the department in the2692event of a foreclosure.2693    The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act became law about 6 months ago2694and we are still waiting for the VA to roll out the partial claims2695program (PCP). PVA believes we should wait until we have data from VA2696about the impact of the PCP before adjusting the guaranteed amount2697offered by the VA.26982699Discussion Draft, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to2700submit to Congress a quarterly report on housing loans insured,2701guaranteed, or under laws administered by the Secretary27022703    In recent months, there has been a lot of media coverage around2704veteran foreclosures. Any data the VA could provide to Congress that2705leads to informed decisions on preventative measures to avoid veteran2706foreclosures would be helpful to addressing this concern. Since the VA2707home loan guarantee program tracks this data throughout the year, PVA2708does not foresee additional administrative burden on the VA.27092710Discussion Draft, to eliminate the maximum authorizations of2711appropriations for certain benefits for homeless veterans administered2712by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to make permanent the2713authority of the Secretary to carry out certain programs for homeless2714veterans27152716    Services and supports for homeless veterans have greatly improved2717over the past several years thanks to higher Grant and Per Diem (GPD)2718rates approved by Congress and more robust, wrap-around services2719offered by VA. However, recent complications experienced in2720implementing increased GPD rates shines light on a concern that this2721bill seeks to address.2722    By removing the authorization for appropriation amounts, the VA2723will be better positioned to ask for the resources really needed to2724support vulnerable groups of veterans. Congress and the VA should do2725everything possible to guarantee smooth delivery of services and2726supports to veterans regardless of fights happening in Washington D.C.2727Permanently authorizing these programs shields them from future funding2728lapses; thus, PVA supports this legislation.2729    PVA is grateful for the opportunity to share our views on some of2730the legislation before the subcommittee today. We look forward to2731working with Congress on these bills and we welcome any questions.27322733  Information Required by Rule XI 2(g) of the House of Representatives27342735Pursuant to Rule XI 2(g) of the House of Representatives, the following2736information is provided regarding Federal grants and contracts.27372738                            Fiscal Year 202627392740Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports2741Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports2742activities--$368,500.27432744                            Fiscal Year 202527452746Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports2747Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports2748activities--$502,000.27492750                            Fiscal Year 202327512752Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports2753Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports2754activities--$479,000.27552756                     Disclosure of Foreign Payments27572758Paralyzed Veterans of America is largely supported by donations from2759the general public. However, in some very rare cases we receive direct2760donations from foreign nationals. In addition, we receive funding from2761corporations and foundations which in some cases are U.S. subsidiaries2762of non-U.S. companies.27632764                  Prepared Statement of Kathryn Monet27652766    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished2767Members of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity:27682769    NCHV thanks you for the opportunity to offer views on legislation2770before the Committee. While there are several great bills today, we are2771providing statements on behalf of legislation which could directly2772affect efforts to prevent and or end homelessness among veterans and2773their families.27742775A Draft Bill, The Veteran Housing Promise Act27762777    NCHV supports this legislation, which amends title 38 of the United2778States Code to eliminate maximum authorizations of appropriations and2779make permanent the authority for several programs supporting homeless2780veterans administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).2781    For decades, VA's homelessness programs have been instrumental in2782reducing veteran homelessness. These efforts provide essential services2783such as outreach, housing assistance, employment reintegration, and2784supportive services for vulnerable populations--including women2785veterans and veterans with children. Yet the current patchwork of time-2786limited authorizations and funding caps poses significant challenges2787for program continuity, planning, and the ability of community2788providers to sustain the life-changing services veterans rely on.2789    By removing funding caps and time-limited authorizations, this2790legislation provides long-term stability and predictability for these2791proven programs. Such stability allows both VA and community-based2792partners to better coordinate care, invest in workforce development,2793and ensure that no veteran who has served our Nation has to face2794homelessness or housing insecurity due to administrative uncertainty.2795    Key provisions of this bill--such as the permanent authority for2796the Domiciliary Care and Supportive Services for Very Low-Income2797Veteran Families program, and long-term authorization for grants2798benefiting homeless veterans with special needs--will strengthen the2799Federal response and allow continued progress toward the shared goal of2800ending veteran homelessness.28012802H.R. 7049, the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for2803Homeless Veterans Act.28042805    NCHV supports this bill, which seeks to address deficiencies in the2806referral process to homeless programs for veterans with positive2807screenings for housing instability in other clinical settings. VHA's2808homeless clinical screening tool is an important way that clinicians2809are able to identify veterans facing housing instability, especially2810those who may not know help is available or who may not want to2811disclose their housing status. However; last month, the VAOIG found2812that in many instances unclear referral procedures and staff2813inconsistency in following them resulted in veterans screening positive2814but never receiving the housing referrals they requested or not2815receiving them within a 30-day timeline. It is unacceptable that2816bureaucratic processes or the lack thereof prevented veterans from2817accessing housing support and NCHV thanks Rep. Valadao and his2818cosponsors for moving quickly to address this issue.2819    The focus on timely assessment and intake planning will help VA2820house more veterans. Further, we appreciate his focus on ensuring VA2821identifies appropriate housing options for veterans quickly in addition2822to addressing long-term health and mental health needs. As the2823Committee considers this provision, we encourage frank discussions with2824VA to ensure that VAMCs are being allowed to hire sufficient staff to2825support these processes. Further, as team-based care management becomes2826more common, we encourage discussions around ensuring that staff have2827the appropriate skill sets to identify housing placements and support2828housing navigation rather than the usual clinical skills VA2829prioritizes.2830    In conclusion, we commend the Committee's leadership for advancing2831policies that recognize homelessness among veterans as not just a2832matter of housing, but of dignity, stability, and national2833responsibility. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and our2834partners stand ready to support implementation and continued oversight2835of these essential programs.28362837                       Statements for the Record28382839                              ----------28402841  Prepared Statement of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States28422843    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and members of the2844subcommittee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign2845Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the2846opportunity to provide testimony regarding this pending legislation.28472848H.R. 982, Warriors to Workforce Act28492850    The VFW supports the intent of this legislation to increase the2851housing allowance during the second 6-month period of an apprenticeship2852or on-the-job training program for which a veteran is using Department2853of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. However, we would prefer2854the following stipulation. The increase from 80 percent to 90 percent2855is a step in the right direction, but does not go far enough. In terms2856of this housing allowance, an increase from 80 percent to 100 percent2857would realistically help veterans complete these important education2858programs that provide direct job training while ensuring their basic2859housing needs are covered. Additionally, the VFW would also like to see2860more data reported on the successes and shortfalls of these programs to2861better understand the needs of the participating veterans.28622863H.R. 2878, Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving2864Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act28652866    The VFW supports this legislation to strengthen mental health2867support during the military-to-civilian transition by enhancing both2868the Department of Defense (DOD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and2869the VA Solid Start program. This legislation would ensure that2870separating service members receive standardized, evidence-informed2871information on mental health conditions, suicide risk factors,2872available treatment options, and the stressors associated with2873separation from military service. It would also improve VA's early2874post-separation outreach by reinforcing VA Solid Start's role in2875connecting newly separated veterans to mental health care and2876enrollment in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).2877    The VFW has long emphasized that the transition period is a high-2878risk window for suicide and adverse mental health outcomes,2879particularly when service members experience a loss of structure,2880identity, and community. By making permanent improvements to TAP and2881Solid Start, this bill would strengthen the ``warm handoff'' between2882DOD and VA, and promote continuity of care at a critical moment. H.R.28832878 aligns with the VFW's legislative priority to eliminate service2884member and veteran suicide, and is consistent with VFW Resolution No.2885606 (Mental Health Disorders) that urges Congress to dedicate adequate2886resources and oversight to address veteran suicide and expand access to2887effective mental health care. The VFW believes this legislation2888represents a necessary and constructive step toward reducing suicide2889risk and improving long-term outcomes for transitioning service members2890and newly separated veterans.28912892H.R. 3159, Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act28932894    The VFW supports this legislation to strengthen financial readiness2895by improving service member awareness of, and access to, protections2896under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The proposal would2897integrate SCRA education into required financial literacy training and2898ensure service members receive timely notification of these protections2899when entering service, joining a reserve component, or mobilizing to2900active duty.2901    The legislation would also address implementation gaps by2902clarifying creditor obligations under the SCRA's interest rate2903limitation, and requiring financial institutions to apply the statutory2904cap consistently across all eligible debts. Mandating accessible2905methods for service members to submit required documentation would2906reduce administrative barriers that can prevent timely relief.2907    Financial stress is a well-documented contributor to readiness2908challenges, family instability, and poor transition outcomes. H.R. 31592909aligns with the VFW's legislative priority to modernize and reform VA2910and DOD programs that do not meet the needs of service members,2911veterans, and their families, and is consistent with the VFW's long-2912standing advocacy for consumer protections and financial stability for2913those who serve.29142915H.R. 4105, Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act of 202529162917    The VFW supports this legislation to establish a Department of2918Labor (DOL) grant program to help transitioning service members,2919veterans, and military spouses obtain employment in the energy sector.2920This would allow eligible employers to receive reimbursement for costs2921associated with hiring covered individuals, including training,2922credentialing, recruitment, and onboarding, with priority given to2923involuntarily separated service members, veterans with service-2924connected disabilities or other barriers to employment, military2925spouses, and individuals living in qualified opportunity zones.2926    The VFW strongly supports outcome-driven transition policies that2927connect separating service members to sustainable careers. This2928legislation would promote meaningful interagency collaboration by2929requiring program coordination with TAP, SkillBridge, and VA Solid2930Start, ensuring employment pathways are integrated into the broader2931transition framework. The bill would also include reporting and2932oversight provisions to evaluate retention and employment outcomes.2933    This legislation aligns with VFW Resolution No. 627 (Support2934Improved Military-to-Civilian Transition Assistance) and advances2935multiple VFW legislative priorities, including ensuring a seamless2936military-to-civilian transition, improving veteran employment and2937economic opportunity, and expanding employment opportunities for2938military spouses. The VFW believes this legislation would represent a2939targeted, accountable approach to strengthening transition outcomes2940while supporting workforce needs in a critical sector of the U.S.2941economy.29422943H.R. 5634, Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 202529442945    The VFW supports this legislation to set limitations on the use of2946the GI Bill for certain flight training. Years ago, the GI Bill2947essentially had no spending restrictions for this program, enabling2948certain flight schools to charge uncapped amounts of money. Flight2949training is expensive, and currently pilots are in demand across the2950country. However, the VFW believes there should be reasonable2951limitations on the amount of money spent on flight training, and that2952this legislation would be a fair balance for veterans who pursue flight2953training through the GI Bill.29542955H.R. 5436, To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an2956educational institution from withholding a transcript from an2957individual who pursued a course or program of education at such2958institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance29592960    The VFW supports this legislation to prohibit withholding2961transcripts and to protect veterans pursuing education and employment2962opportunities. Withholding transcripts prevents veterans from fully2963utilizing their earned education benefits. When institutions block2964transcript access, veterans cannot transfer credits or apply for2965employment, creating unnecessary emotional and financial hardship. This2966practice undermines the intent of the GI Bill, which is to help2967veterans achieve meaningful careers and economic stability. Veterans2968should not be penalized for administrative or billing issues. GI Bill2969funds are Federal dollars, and schools must ensure that veterans have2970uninterrupted access to their academic records.29712972Discussion Draft, Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans2973Act29742975    The VFW supports this proposal to require VA to collaborate with2976DOL, with an emphasis on the Veterans' Employment and Training Service,2977industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and nonprofit2978organizations to identify high-demand technology careers, along with2979the courses veterans need to qualify for them. Veterans must be2980prepared for the industries of the future to ensure they can be among2981the leaders of tomorrow. These programs should be prominently featured2982in TAP and on VA's website to ensure visibility and access.2983Additionally, we support VA's proposed expedited approval process to2984fast-track these courses and eliminate unnecessary delays.29852986Discussion Draft, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the2987Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a quarterly report2988on housing loans insured, guaranteed, or under laws administered by the2989Secretary, and for other purposes29902991    The VFW supports the intent of this proposal to enhance2992transparency within the VA home loan programs through more frequent2993reporting. Improved data collection can help identify emerging trends2994in utilization, shed light on barriers that may limit access to this2995important but often underutilized benefit, and support earlier2996interventions for veterans who may be at risk of falling behind on2997their mortgage obligations. However, while we recognize the value of2998better insight into loan performance and veteran outcomes, we have2999questions regarding the shift from the current annual reporting3000requirement to a quarterly mandate.3001    At this time, it is unclear why more frequent reporting is3002necessary, what specific deficiencies exist in the current reporting3003structure, or how VA would resource and sustain this increased3004administrative burden. Some of the proposed data elements may indeed be3005beneficial for policymakers, but it is not evident that they require3006quarterly updates to inform decisions or oversight.3007    The VFW appreciates efforts to strengthen and safeguard the VA home3008loan programs, and we stand ready to work with Congress to ensure that3009any new reporting obligations meaningfully advance that objective.30103011Discussion Draft, Affordable Housing Guarantee Act30123013    The VFW supports this proposal to increase the VA loan guaranty3014from 25 percent to 50 percent for veterans with service-connected3015disabilities. This proposal would reduce financial barriers and promote3016homeownership. It is aligned with the VFW's legislative priorities that3017include expanding programs to combat veteran homelessness. Disabled3018veterans often face unique economic hardships, and expanding the loan3019guaranty strengthens their ability to maintain stable housing while3020honoring their service and sacrifices.30213022Discussion Draft, Veteran Housing Promise Act30233024    The VFW supports this proposal to eliminate arbitrary funding caps3025and make permanent the authority for critical VA homeless initiatives,3026including comprehensive service programs, reintegration grants, and3027housing assistance. These provisions align with the VFW's call for3028increased availability of safe and affordable housing, inflation-3029adjusted grant and per diem rates, and gender-specific services for3030homeless veterans.30313032Discussion Draft, Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for3033Homeless Veterans Act30343035    The VFW supports this proposal to require timely assessments of3036physical and mental health needs, create individualized care plans, and3037integrate housing solutions into VA electronic health records. This3038proposal reflects the VFW's calls for comprehensive housing solutions,3039gender--specific services, and expanded access to care for veterans3040experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This proposal would improve VA3041and VHA policies through its mandate for assessments within 3 days of3042identification; the requirement for standardized care plans and housing3043identification integrated into electronic health records; and the3044implementation of a monitoring process by the Homeless Program Office3045to ensure accountability. By formalizing these processes, the proposal3046would strengthen VA's obligation to provide holistic care and align3047with the VFW's commitment to eliminate homelessness among veterans.3048    However, the VFW asks Congress to ensure that any new rules come3049with adequate resources. Without more money for staff, training, and3050computer support, VA will have difficulty meeting these requirements.3051Congress should fully fund this plan to help, not overburden, the3052people who work in homeless services.3053    Ending veteran homelessness takes more than just housing. It also3054includes timely mental health care, organized case support, and regular3055follow up.30563057Discussion Draft, Centralized Reimbursement for Upgraded Innovative3058Service Equipment (CRUISE) Act30593060    The VFW supports this proposal to overhaul the reimbursement3061procedures for VA's adaptive automobile program. By centralizing VA's3062automobile reimbursement process, enforcing Federal timeliness3063standards, and requiring public reporting of delays, the CRUISE Act3064would enhance accountability and efficiency. These reforms would reduce3065payment backlogs, increase transparency, and ensure timely access to3066adaptive vehicles for severely disabled veterans. This modernization3067effort aligns with the VFW's commitment to VA streamlining its3068operations, improving coordination of care, and upholding the promise3069our Nation made to the veterans among us who have sacrificed the most.3070    Chairman Van Orden and Ranking Member Pappas, this concludes my3071statement. Again, thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on3072this pending legislation.30733074Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives30753076Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, the VFW has3077not received any Federal grants in Fiscal Year 2026, nor has it3078received any Federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.30793080The VFW has not received payments or contracts from any foreign3081governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.30823083            Prepared Statement of Veterans United Home Loans30843085    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and Members of the3086Committee:30873088    Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony and for3089your continued commitment to strengthening the VA Home Loan program. We3090sincerely appreciate the Committee's proactive efforts to identify ways3091to improve this incredible veteran benefit--one that has enabled3092millions of veterans and their families to achieve stable, sustainable3093homeownership.3094    Veterans United Home Loans has the privilege of being the Nation's3095largest VA purchase lender since 2016, and as such we stand ready to3096serve as a resource to this committee on all aspects of the VA Home3097Loan. We applaud this committee's continued efforts to protect and3098improve all veterans' hard-earned benefits, including the VA home loan3099program, and we appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on this vital VA3100benefit.3101    At a time when housing affordability remains strained nationwide,3102the VA Home Loan program is often the difference between homeownership3103and permanent exclusion from the housing market for veterans. Any3104changes to the program should therefore be evaluated primarily through3105the lens of their direct and long-term impact on veteran homebuyers and3106homeowners.31073108The Impact of Funding Fees on Veteran Homeownership31093110    One of the most significant but often overlooked cost drivers for3111veteran borrowers is the VA funding fee. While the funding fee was3112originally designed to offset the cost of loan guaranty claims and3113protect the program's fiscal integrity, it has been used for decades to3114fund other veteran benefits and meet unrelated budgetary needs.3115    As a result, the funding fee is now artificially high relative to3116the actual credit risk of VA loans. Historically, the VA Home Loan3117program has generated far more revenue through funding fees than it has3118paid out in guaranty claims. In a peer-reviewed economics journal, Dr.3119Joseph Haslag found that the funding fee on all zero-down purchase3120loans could be reduced to 1.3 percent (from 2.15 percent and 3.303121percent, respectively) in order to be revenue neutral.\1\ For veterans,3122this imbalance has concrete and lasting consequences. If the funding3123fee were reduced to 1.3 percent for all purchase loans as noted in Dr.3124Haslag's article, the average veteran or active duty first time3125homebuyer would pay around $3,400 less in VA funding fees to utilize3126their benefit. On any subsequent use of the benefit, that same average3127veteran or active duty homebuyer would pay $8,000 less if the funding3128fee were 1.3 percent.3129---------------------------------------------------------------------------3130    \1\ Joseph Haslag, Is the Funding Fee Enough?: A Quantitative3131Analysis of the VA Mortgage Program, International Journal of Social3132Science and Economic Research, Vol. 7, Issue 7, July 2022, https://3133ijsser.org/2022files/ijsser_07 149.pdf.3134---------------------------------------------------------------------------3135    Higher funding fees increase the upfront and financed cost of3136buying a home. Because most veterans roll the fee into their loan3137balance, it immediately raises the loan-to-value ratio at origination.3138This also means they pay interest on the fee, which at current rates3139doubles the total amount paid over the life of the loan. This means3140veterans start homeownership with less equity, higher monthly payments,3141and a greater likelihood of remaining underwater for longer periods,3142particularly during the early years of the loan.3143    For veteran homeowners, this can limit refinancing opportunities,3144reduce financial flexibility during life transitions, and increase3145vulnerability during economic downturns. Over time, these added costs3146undermine the very affordability advantage the VA loan program is meant3147to provide.31483149Potential Benefits Of A Uniform Guaranty Increase For Veteran31503151    If Congress were to refocus the VA funding fee on its original,3152actuarially intended purpose-covering loan guaranty losses--there is a3153compelling case that the VA loan guaranty could be increased for all3154veterans without placing the program at risk. Historically, the program3155has generated substantially more revenue through funding fees than it3156has paid out in claims, suggesting additional capacity to enhance the3157guaranty while maintaining fiscal soundness.3158    A higher, uniform guaranty could benefit veteran homebuyers and3159homeowners by reducing lender and investor risk across the entire VA3160loan program. This type of risk reduction improves the pricing of3161mortgage-backed securities by increasing demand for those MBS. Due to3162the inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates, the3163increased demand flows through the system in the form of stronger3164liquidity, improved pricing, and lower interest rates on VA Loans. For3165veterans, this translates directly into lower monthly payments,3166increased purchasing power, and greater access to credit--particularly3167for first-time buyers and those in high-cost or competitive housing3168markets.3169    Importantly, these benefits extend beyond new homebuyers. Existing3170veteran homeowners would see improved refinance opportunities, enabling3171them to lower monthly payments, reduce interest costs over the life of3172the loan, and build equity more quickly. In an environment where even3173small interest rate improvements can significantly affect3174affordability, a uniform increase in the guaranty could deliver3175immediate and tangible financial relief to veterans.3176    With that said, any guaranty increase should be grounded in3177rigorous actuarial analysis to ensure the long-term sustainability of3178the program and its ability to serve veterans for generations to come.31793180Concerns with Disparate Guaranty Structures31813182    While we strongly support the goal of providing additional3183assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities, we are3184concerned that increasing the guaranty for only a portion of VA loans3185could create unintended consequences for veteran homebuyers.3186    Under the current bill, roughly half of all VA loans would carry a3187higher guaranty, while the remainder would continue under existing3188levels. From a veteran's perspective, this creates a system where3189similarly qualified borrowers receive different pricing outcomes based3190not on creditworthiness or risk, but rather on a separate guaranty3191classification.3192    In the secondary market, this distinction matters. Servicers and3193Ginnie Mae investors would be required to manage and price pools of VA3194loans with different guaranty levels and risk characteristics. That3195fragmentation could reduce liquidity for certain VA loan cohorts,3196increase operational complexity, and ultimately lead to pricing3197disparities that disadvantage some veteran borrowers.3198    Over time, this could mean higher rates for veterans whose loans3199carry a lower guaranty despite the historically strong performance of3200all VA loans.32013202Conclusion32033204    We commend the Committee for its thoughtful approach to improving3205the VA Home Loan program and for its focus on supporting veterans with3206service-connected disabilities. As this legislation is considered, we3207encourage continued attention to how funding fees, guaranty structures,3208and secondary market dynamics affect the day-to-day financial reality3209of veteran homebuyers and homeowners.3210    We stand ready to work with the Committee and the Department of3211Veterans Affairs to ensure that any reforms strengthen affordability,3212preserve market efficiency, and protect this extraordinary benefit for3213all who have served.3214    Thank you for your leadership and your unwavering commitment to3215America's veterans.32163217                 Prepared Statement of Niskanen Center3218[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]32193220                Prepared Statement of With Honor Action32213222    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and Members of the3223Subcommittee,32243225    With Honor Action appreciates the opportunity to submit this3226Statement for the Record. We thank the Subcommittee for its leadership3227and commitment to strengthening critical programs that support service3228members as they transition to civilian life following their service to3229our Nation.3230    With Honor Action is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization that3231works to strengthen democracy and fight polarization in Congress3232through principled veteran leadership. Our work includes endorsing3233legislative solutions to our Nation's most pressing issues, connecting3234military veteran Members of Congress across the aisle to forge3235bipartisan bonds, and building coalitions of like-minded organizations3236to demonstrate constituent support for commonsense policies.3237    We work with the 38 members of the For Country Caucus in the House3238of Representatives, all of whom are military veterans, and who have3239taken our Pledge to serve with integrity, civility, and courage. We3240also work closely with 11 Senate allies to reach bicameral consensus.3241These congressional leaders leverage their military experience and3242leadership to build support for and pass legislation in national3243security, national service, and veterans' affairs.32443245With Honor Action supports H.R. 4105, the Veterans Energy Transition3246(VET) Act32473248    The transition from active duty to civilian life is a pivotal3249moment for the future of our veterans and their families, and has been3250a key part of our bipartisan work. With Honor Action strongly supports3251the bipartisan Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, led by For Country3252Caucus members Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Navy veteran, and Rep. Chrissy3253Houlahan, an Air Force veteran. The bill has 16 cosponsors, including3254six members of the For Country Caucus, and would simultaneously address3255critical shortages in our energy and advanced manufacturing sectors and3256the pressing issue of veteran employment after separation.3257    Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that nearly325810,000 electricians leave the workforce annually, and only roughly32597,000 enter to replace them.\1\ As demand for energy markets grows to3260power our economy and American innovation, these labor shortages in3261energy and manufacturing are not only a threat to our economic3262prosperity but also to our national security.3263---------------------------------------------------------------------------3264    \1\ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,3265Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, at https://www.bls.gov/3266ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.html.3267---------------------------------------------------------------------------3268    At the same time, around 200,000 service members transition out of3269active duty each year, and they are ideal candidates for technical3270careers like those in the energy industry.\2\ The VET Act will help3271defray costs for potential employers by empowering the Department of3272Labor to provide grants to cover training, certification, relocation,3273and onboarding for eligible veteran, service member, and spouse hires.3274The legislation authorizes $60 million annually through Fiscal Year32752031 for these grants, with a 15 percent cap on administrative costs.3276---------------------------------------------------------------------------3277    \2\ Government Accountability Office (2024). Transition to Civilian3278Life: Better Collection and Analysis of Military Service Data Needed to3279Improve Oversight of the SkillBridge Program (GAO-24-107352). https://3280www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-1073523281---------------------------------------------------------------------------3282    The bill also prioritizes this support for retirees and veterans3283with service-connected disabilities and for those experiencing3284homelessness, targeting populations desperately in need of greater3285intervention, and recognizes the need for greater interagency3286cooperation by coordinating implementation with existing Department of3287Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs programs such as the3288Transition Assistance Program (TAP), SkillBridge, and Solid Start.32893290With Honor Action supports H.R. 2878, the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam3291Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide3292Act32933294    With Honor also strongly supports the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam3295Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide3296Act, introduced by Iowa Air National Guardsman and For Country Caucus3297member Rep. Zach Nunn. This bill, named after two Marines who3298tragically lost their lives to suicide within a year of separation,3299will provide tools to support service-related mental health challenges.3300By incorporating topics like PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and3301loneliness into TAP, separating service members will receive the3302information and resources they need to transition successfully.3303    Similarly, by strengthening the Solid Start program, veterans will3304have greater awareness of the mental health programs available to them.3305The first year of separation from service is a highly vulnerable time3306for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, with suicide rates3307reaching 46.2 per 100,000.\3\ Early education of, and access to, mental3308health programs for transitioning service members is critical for3309reducing veteran suicide rates, which continue to outpace the suicide3310rates of the general, non-veteran population.3311---------------------------------------------------------------------------3312    \3\ U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2024 National Veteran3313Suicide Prevention Annual Report, Part 1 & Part 2, Office of Suicide3314Prevention, December 2024, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-3315sheets/2024/2024-Annual-Report-Part-1-of-2_508.pdf3316---------------------------------------------------------------------------3317    This bill is cosponsored by another veteran member of the For3318Country Caucus and Army veteran, Rep. Jason Crow. These veterans, who3319have experienced the transition from active duty to civilian life,3320understand the daunting challenges and the much-needed resources that3321accompany a service member's separation. The early intervention this3322bill provides to service members is key to facilitating a safe and3323successful next chapter for those who have served their country.3324    With Honor Action was proud to endorse these bills upon their3325introduction, and now we urge the Subcommittee to ensure sustained3326support for transitioning service members and the workforce and support3327programs they need to succeed in the civilian world. We thank the3328Subcommittee for holding today's hearing and for its consideration of3329this vital legislation.33303331               Prepared Statement of The American Legion3332[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]33333334 Prepared Statement of National Association of Electrical Distributors3335                                 (NAED)3336[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]33373338           Prepared Statement of Student Veterans of America3339[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]33403341 Prepared Statement of National Association Of State Approving Agencies33423343Introduction33443345    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas and distinguished members3346of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, on behalf of the fifty-3347three-member State agencies of the National Association of State3348Approving Agencies (NASAA) and their over 220 staff members, thank you3349for the opportunity to provide comments on certain pending legislation.33503351H.R. 982, Warriors to Workforce Act33523353    In addition to approving standard college degree and non-college3354degree programs, State approving agencies are responsible for approving3355apprenticeship (APP), and on-the-job training (OJT) programs for the GI3356Bill. We are concerned that this important program is being3357underutilized by our veterans for multiple reasons, one of which is3358that it is neither promoted nor adequately funded. The result, as3359pointed out by Chairman Van Orden earlier this year, APP and OJT3360programs now account for less than 1 percent of the veterans using the3361GI Bill, a continual decline over the last decade due to a lack of3362awareness and inadequate incentive to utilize this benefit to pursue3363skilled workforce training. For example, the Department of Veterans3364Affairs (VA) reports that during Fiscal Year 2025, only 2,219 Post-9/113365GI Bill beneficiaries began an OJT or apprenticeship program. During3366the same period, 78,382 individuals began receiving their VA3367educational benefits while enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree3368programs. We believe that the underutilization of this valuable benefit3369is partially due to lack of veteran awareness as SAAs are not3370encouraged by VA to promote the program. Although it is specified in 383371CFR Sec.  21.4262(d), VA admits that this benefit has been inadequately3372promoted and more should be done to ensure veterans are informed of all3373the potential uses of their GI Bill entitlement. Apprenticeship3374programs equip veterans with the skills needed to quickly enter the3375workforce and lead to high paying careers for those veterans who choose3376this route. A recent study in North Carolina spoke of critical3377infrastructure needs and we believe that this only mirrors the3378situation across our Nation. Veterans who wish to use their hearts,3379hands, and minds to enter technical and vocational fields such as3380welding, pipefitting, and software development should be encouraged to3381do so.3382    Veterans who enroll in an APP or OJT can effectively use their3383benefits to transition more quickly into the civilian workforce,3384providing stability for themselves and their families. For this reason,3385we strongly support H.R. 982, the Warriors to Workforce Act of 2025,3386which increases benefits that veterans receive during the first year of3387an apprenticeship by changing the law so that after 6 months of3388training, the amount of benefit veterans receive will increase to 903389percent as opposed to the current 80 percent prescribed by law. This3390change provides a stronger incentive for veterans to use this program,3391while enhancing the likelihood that they will persist in their3392training, enter the workforce, and become tax paying citizens in their3393communities, better able to support themselves and their families If3394eligible veterans choose this path, they could join the workforce3395immediately after transitioning from their military service and not3396have to wait until they complete a lengthy and costly traditional3397school program. This route will significantly increase their chance for3398successful reintegration into civilian life.3399    Over the past several decades, Congress has increased the financial3400incentives for veterans to seek a college degree by hundreds of3401thousands of dollars, but comparatively almost nothing has been done3402for veterans who seek practical on-the-job training and become part of3403the workforce that rebuilds the Nation's infrastructure. With this3404increase in their APP/OJT benefit, veterans could be encouraged to join3405the workforce immediately, thereby securing gainful employment,3406becoming a tax paying citizen and contributing to their local3407communities and families. Without the increase to 90 percent for the3408second 6 months, veterans are often discouraged from continuing in3409their program if they must sacrifice losing significant income to3410support their families, unless they do not receive a commensurate pay3411increase by the employer at the same time. We suggest that the bill be3412expanded to provide benefits of 100 percent for the first year and to3413include adjustments in subsequent years to avoid a significant drop in3414benefits in the second year of participation. Finally, we would ask for3415further study about this important benefit to align the program more3416closely with veteran's needs.34173418H.R. 5634, Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 202534193420    H.R. 5634 would amend 38 U.S.C. Sec.  3313 by adding subsection (m)3421and establishing a maximum total cost ceiling of $100,000 for flight3422training for an individual at a public institution, similar to the3423manner in which flight training is capped at nondegree flight training3424programs at private institutions. While NASAA supports the intent of3425this bill to bring parity to flight training, we are concerned that a3426lifetime cap on such training at public IHLs could potentially have a3427chilling effect on veterans seeking these programs. Instead, we would3428suggest applying the private IHL cap to contracted programs at IHLs3429instead. And we would like to see the cap on vocational flight training3430increased to bring parity to these schools, instead of placing a cap on3431already robust in-house degree granting IHL flight programs. Our Nation3432needs more pilots and now is the time to encourage veterans to enroll3433in quality training programs.34343435H.R. 5436, To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an3436educational institution from withholding a transcript from an3437individual who pursued a course or program of education at such3438institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance34393440    In July 2024, the Department of Education implemented regulatory3441changes that mandated that institutions of higher education could no3442longer withhold a student's transcript or take other negative actions3443against a student due to an error on the school's part if that student3444was receiving Title IV funds. Though many schools withhold transcripts3445in an attempt to collect outstanding debt from students, for many3446student veterans, that outstanding debt is often disputed, and in some3447cases can be a result of school or VA error. As such, NASAA supports3448this bill which would establish parity for students using their GI Bill3449education benefits by prohibiting a school from withholding a student's3450transcript due to outstanding institutional charges.34513452Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives34533454Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, NASAA has3455not received any Federal grants in Fiscal Year 2025, nor has it3456received any Federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.34573458NASAA has not received payments or contracts from any foreign3459governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.34603461                                 [all]