April 10, 2013

Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Holds Legislative Hearing

Washington, D.C.  – Today, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity received testimony on a number of bills, including ones related to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans’ vocational rehabilitation and retraining, transition assistance, work study, and participation in U.S. Paralympics programs.   

“This hearing explored a number of issues important to our veterans, and I’m pleased that our committee continues to operate in such a bipartisan manner,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

At the hearing today, Takano highlighted bills that he introduced, including the VetSuccess Enhancement Act, which extends by five years the time period when veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible to enroll in VA vocational and rehabilitation programs, and the Work Study for Student Veterans Act, which is a five year extension of the VA’s work-study program. Takano’s full opening statement from today’s hearing can be found here.

A full list of bills that the Subcommittee considered today can be found below:

  • HR 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013
  • HR 562, the VRAP Extension Act of 2013
  • HR 631, the Servicemembers’ Choice in Transition Act of 2013
  • HR 844, the VetSuccess Enhancement Act
  • HR 1305, to provide clarification for services under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
  • HR 1316, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors and Assistant Directors of Veterans’ Employment and Training
  • HR 1402, to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and for assistance to United States Paralympics, Inc.
  • The Work Study for Student Veterans Act, a bill to extend for five years the VA Work Study Program
  • (To Be Introduced) Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013, to improve and increase the availability of on-job training and apprenticeship programs already authorized by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.