Florida Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) and Rep. Colin Allred of Texas (D-TX-32) introduced the bipartisan 'Informing Veterans on Education for Transition Servicemembers (VETS) Act.'
The bill aims to properly inform veterans of the benefits they have earned as they transition into civilian life.
“It is critical that we ensure that our veterans are informed of the educational programs that are available to them in an efficient and direct way. I am proud to co-lead legislation that will give our nation’s heroes the tools available to succeed in transitioning to civilian life and bolstering their employment opportunities,” said Congressman Donalds.
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The Informing VETS Act will ensure the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better informs veterans about the various benefits available to them, helping expand access to disability assistance, job training, and educational opportunities.
“Ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they have earned will always be a priority of mine in Congress,” said Congressman Allred. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Informing VETS Act which works to ensure that our veterans are informed as they make decisions regarding education benefits. I will always work with anyone to make sure our veterans have the support, services and opportunities they need when they return home.”
Allred has a long history of working to deliver for veterans in Texas. This includes his bipartisan work to secure the Garland VA Medical Center, his work to pass funding authorization for VA medical facilities, including in El Paso and Dallas, and his support for the PACT Act, which is now delivering benefits to 1 million veterans across America.
“Veterans with significant disabilities deserve the opportunity to achieve meaningful careers and the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program is essential in helping them achieve this goal. The Informing VETS Act is a critical first step in ensuring disabled veterans are aware of their eligibility for the VR&E program,” said Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.
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“VA education and employment programs are invaluable tools for our nation’s service-disabled veterans looking to re-enter the workforce. However, a significant number of veterans remain unaware of the full gamut of educational and vocational benefits offered by the VA, such as participation in the VR&E program. DAV applauds the introduction of the Informing VETS Act and thanks Rep. Allred and Rep. Donalds for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring our nation’s veterans are made aware of all the benefits they have earned through their service,” said Joy Ilem, DAV National Legislative Director.
Specifically, the Informing VETS Act would:
- Require the VA to promote the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program by regularly sending a letter to each eligible veteran discussing these educational benefits.
- Require the VA to provide side-by-side comparisons of benefits between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E programs online.
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