Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Representative Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
In Committee
Summary
Tighter oversight and cost limits for VA vocational rehabilitation programs. This bill would require approval and reporting for large equipment purchases, cap federal funding per rehabilitation program, and change eligibility and benefit rules tied to participation.
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- Veterans in vocational rehabilitation would face a new employment-based eligibility condition that can end eligibility if they obtain trained employment within one year. Subsistence payments could be based on the training institution or the veteran’s residence when the residence is more than 25 miles away.
- The bill would require Secretary approval and five-year reporting for equipment purchases over $5,000 and set a $250,000 cap on Federal funds paid for a rehabilitation program.
- It would bar benefits for veterans convicted under 18 U.S.C. 111 for offenses against VA officers or employees and would prohibit disability compensation for veterans rated total by individual unemployability who participate in vocational rehabilitation. It also expands roles for vocational rehabilitation specialists and directs employment counselors at each regional office.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Major changes to VA rehab programs
This bill would change rules for VA vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. Federal payments for one veteran's rehabilitation program would be capped at $250,000. The cap would increase each year starting October 1, 2026 by the percent in 38 U.S.C. 3015(h). A veteran in vocational rehab would not be able to receive total disability pay based on individual unemployability while participating. A veteran who got a job in the trained occupation within one year after training could be ineligible for more services. Equipment purchases over $5,000 would need the Secretary's approval and the VA would report approved payments annually for five years. The VA could base subsistence pay on a veteran's home if that home is more than 25 miles from the school. The bill would also push to have an employment counselor at each regional VA office and would clarify who may serve as a vocational rehabilitation specialist.
VA benefits bar for convicted offenders
This bill would allow the Secretary to bar a person convicted under 18 U.S.C. 111 for an offense against a VA officer or employee from getting benefits under chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, or 36 of title 38. The bar would apply to convictions on or after the date of enactment. The bar is discretionary rather than automatic.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
WI • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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