Chairman Mike Bost, joined by Subcommittee Chairs Van Orden and Barrett and Reps. Ciscomani and Hamadeh, introduced a third series of bills as part of the committee’s broader reauthorization strategy to modernize VA education, workforce, and acquisition programs. The effort targets programs that have not been comprehensively reviewed in decades.
The legislative package proposes reforms to the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, establishes a centralized VA acquisition enterprise, creates a new Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and transfers the Department of Labor’s Veterans Education and Training Service (DOL-VETS) to the VA. Members emphasized the need for accountability, modernization, and streamlined service delivery.
The bills are framed as part of a long-term strategy to improve benefits delivery for veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and their families. The committee cited Government Accountability Office reports and personal experience with VA programs as justification for the reforms. This is the third installment in a multi-phase reauthorization effort led by House Republicans.