Washington, D.C. — Leaders of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs have introduced a third series of bills aimed at modernizing and reforming education, workforce, and acquisition programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), many of which have not undergone comprehensive review in more than 30 years.
The legislation was introduced by Mike Bost, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, alongside Derrick Van Orden, chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity; Tom Barrett, chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization; and Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Abe Hamadeh.
According to committee leaders, the latest package is part of a broader reauthorization strategy to update VA benefits delivery for the 21st century. The proposals focus on strengthening accountability in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, improving cost evaluation within VA’s acquisition enterprise, restructuring workforce-related benefits administration, and consolidating veteran employment services.
Specifically, the four bills would establish enhanced reporting and oversight requirements for the VR&E program, which serves disabled veterans; create a centralized and modernized VA acquisition enterprise with consistent cost evaluation standards; establish a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration within the Veterans Benefits Administration; and transfer the Department of Labor’s Veterans Education and Training Service (DOL-VETS) program to VA.
Chairman Bost said the reforms are intended to improve outcomes for veterans while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. He emphasized that hundreds of thousands of veterans rely on the affected programs and that participation is expected to continue growing.
Van Orden, a veteran who has personally used the VR&E program, said stronger oversight and clearer outcomes are necessary to ensure the program remains focused on helping disabled veterans achieve meaningful employment.
Barrett highlighted long-standing concerns with inefficiencies in VA technology and procurement, arguing that wasted spending undermines care and services promised to veterans. He said the acquisition reform bill is designed to streamline purchasing and improve accountability.
Ciscomani said the proposed Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration would provide greater focus and oversight for education and transition programs relied upon by veterans and their families, particularly in districts with large veteran populations.
Hamadeh cited findings from the Government Accountability Office in supporting the transfer of DOL-VETS to VA, arguing that workforce and employment programs should be housed within an agency solely dedicated to veterans.
Committee leaders said additional details and bill text are available through the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee as lawmakers continue advancing the broader reauthorization effort.
About the Author
