[House Hearing, 119 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                          LEGISLATIVE HEARING

=======================================================================

                                HEARING

                               BEFORE THE

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

                                 OF THE

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                             FIRST SESSION

                               __________

                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025

                               __________

                           Serial No. 119-24

                               __________

       Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
       
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                    Available via http://govinfo.gov
                    
                                __________

                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE                    
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                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                     MIKE BOST, Illinois, Chairman

AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN,       MARK TAKANO, California, Ranking 
    American Samoa, Vice-Chairwoman      Member
JACK BERGMAN, Michigan               JULIA BROWNLEY, California
NANCY MACE, South Carolina           CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire
MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS, Iowa       SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK, 
GREGORY F. MURPHY, North Carolina        Florida
DERRICK VAN ORDEN, Wisconsin         MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky
MORGAN LUTTRELL, Texas               DELIA RAMIREZ, Illinois
JUAN CISCOMANI, Arizona              NIKKI BUDZINSKI, Illinois
KEITH SELF, Texas                    TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY, New York
JEN KIGGANS, Virginia                MAXINE DEXTER, Oregon
ABE HAMADEH, Arizona                 HERB CONAWAY, New Jersey
KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern       KELLY MORRISON, Minnesota
    Mariana Islands
TOM BARRETT, Michigan

                       Jon Clark, Staff Director
                  Matt Reel, Democratic Staff Director

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

                 DERRICK VAN ORDEN, Wisconsin, Chairman

JUAN CISCOMANI, Arizona              CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire, 
ABE HAMADEH, Arizona                     Ranking Member
KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern       MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky
    Mariana Islands                  DELIA RAMIREZ, Illinois
TOM BARRETT, Michigan                TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY, New York

Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, public 
hearing records of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs are also 
published in electronic form. The printed hearing record remains the 
official version. Because electronic submissions are used to prepare 
both printed and electronic versions of the hearing record, the process 
of converting between various electronic formats may introduce 
unintentional errors or omissions. Such occurrences are inherent in the 
current publication process and should diminish as the process is 
further refined.
                         C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S

                              ----------                              

                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025

                                                                   Page

                           OPENING STATEMENTS

The Honorable Derrick Van Orden, Chairman........................     1
The Honorable Chris Pappas, Ranking Member.......................     2

                               WITNESSES
                                Panel I

Dr. Liz Clark, Acting Director, Defense Support Services Center, 
  U.S. Department of Defense.....................................     4

Mr. Nick Pamperin, Executive Director, Veterans Readiness & 
  Employment, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
  of Veterans Affairs............................................     5
        Accompanied by:

    Mr. Thomas Alphonso, Assistant Director of Policy & 
        Implementation Education Service, Veterans Benefits 
        Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

                                Panel II

Mr. Andrew Petrie, Senior Policy Analyst, Veterans Education and 
  Employment Division, The American Legion.......................    21

Mr. Blaze Smith, Director, Veterans Education and Transition 
  Services Center, The University of Arizona.....................    22

Mr. Matthew Schwartzman, Director, Legislation and Military 
  Policy, Reserve Organization of America........................    24

Ms. Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, Director, Government and 
  Legislative Affairs, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors..    25

                                APPENDIX
                    Prepared Statements Of Witnesses

Dr. Liz Clark Prepared Statement.................................    37
Mr. Nick Pamperin Prepared Statement.............................    43
Mr. Andrew Petrie Prepared Statement.............................    64
Mr. Blaze Smith Prepared Statement...............................    83
Mr. Matthew Schwartzman Prepared Statement.......................    88
Ms. Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann Prepared Statement..................   114

                       Statements For The Record

National Association of State Approving Agencies Prepared 
  Statement......................................................   131
Veterans Education Success Prepared Statement....................   133
Paralyzed Veterans of America Prepared Statement.................   143
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Prepared Statement.   146
New England Center and Home for Veterans Prepared Statement......   149
Student Veterans of America Prepared Statement...................   151

 
                          LEGISLATIVE HEARING

                              ----------                              


                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025

      Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity,
                    Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                             U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                    Washington, DC.
    The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 9 a.m., in 
room 360, Cannon House Office Building, Hon. Derrick Van Orden 
(chairman of the subcommittee) presiding.
    Present: Representatives Van Orden, Ciscomani, Hamadeh, 
King-Hinds, Barrett, Pappas, McGarvey, Ramirez, and Kennedy.
    Also present: Representatives Mast, and Vasquez.

        OPENING STATEMENT OF DERRICK VAN ORDEN, CHAIRMAN

    Mr. Van Orden. The subcommittee will come to order. Welcome 
to the witnesses and subcommittee members to today's hearing. 
As I have said many times, this subcommittee is a nonpartisan 
committee; it is not a bipartisan committee. I am very thankful 
for my Ranking Member, Mr. Pappas, for adhering to that.
    We have 17 important legislative proposals to consider here 
today. It is important to note that not all of these proposals 
will move forward in the legislative process. A number of these 
proposals seek to improve education programs, accessibility of 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA's home loan 
program.
    I specifically want to highlight three of my bills that are 
on today's agenda. My first bill will expand communication 
outreach methods within the Solid Start Program by allowing 
digital communications so that the VA can increase the ways 
they connect with veterans.
    America's new generation of veterans, they oftentimes just 
do not want to pick up the phone. We are going to get crazy and 
allow them to use text messaging, but we are not going to get 
rid of the other methods of communications that older 
generations, such as myself, are we used to, which is a letter 
in the mail. In other words, this is additive.
    Another bill that I have today is the Refinancing Relief 
for Veterans Act. This legislation will reduce the fee for 
veterans who are using an interest rate reduction loan, or 
IRRRL.
    This bill would allow veterans an even less expensive way 
to get a mortgage with a lower interest rate and so half the 
refinancing fee associated with the VA home loans and making 
easier for veterans to secure better rates. It is the duty of 
this subcommittee to get money back in the veterans' pockets 
when we can.
    My final bill is the Enhancing the Transiting 
Servicemember's Experience Act, or ETS Act. This bill would 
make improvements to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) 
for servicemembers leaving the military. This legislation would 
require data collection on the experience of transitioning 
servicemembers. We need to have a better understanding of how 
we are preparing our military members and their families for 
civilian life.
    Certain military branches are doing TAP better than others 
and those doing it well are setting their members up for 
success, and individual units in the different branches are 
doing things better, so we are going to find the best 
practices.
    Servicemembers leaving the successful branches will show 
the others the value of their military service. The Transition 
Assistance Program is actually, I view it as a retention and a 
recruitment tool so when the veterans know that we care about 
them coming in, while they are in, and while they are leaving 
and after they are in their service, that is going to help with 
our recruitment and retention because they go home and they 
tell their friends.
    Additional bills we will consider would address 
modernization improvements to the Veterans Readiness and 
Employment (VR&E) program, VA home loan program, and the GI 
Bill. I have reservations about some of these proposals on the 
agenda today. The witnesses' testimony and questions from these 
fellow members will hopefully address some of these issues so 
we can make informed decisions and move forward with the 
process.
    We look forward to hearing from the members who are here 
and introduce these proposals, as well as our witnesses on how 
we can continue to improve the bills and better the lives of 
our veterans.
    I now yield to Ranking Member Pappas for as much time as he 
would consume for his opening remarks.

       OPENING STATEMENT OF CHRIS PAPPAS, RANKING MEMBER

    Mr. Pappas. Thank you very much, Chairman Van Orden, for 
holding this legislative hearing on a number of issues covered 
by the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. On the agenda today 
there are several bills that improve support for veterans' 
education and job training, including my bipartisan bill, H.R. 
2954 Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, which will expedite 
the approval process for truck driving apprenticeship programs 
that have multi-state locations.
    Currently, interstate trucking companies must get approval 
from every State they operate in for veterans to use their VA 
education benefits for apprenticeship programs at that company.
    This legislation will cut unnecessary red tape and allow 
interstate commercial carriers to get one approval for all 
their apprenticeship programs from VA, simplifying the 
administration of these programs so that veterans can become 
truck drivers more easily.
    I thank Representative Kiggans for partnering with me on 
this important legislation and the Chairman for including this 
bill on the agenda. I also want to thank Senators Blumenthal 
and Cassidy for introducing the bipartisan bill in the Senate. 
I hope we can all continue to work together to get this passed 
into law.
    Other bills I wish to highlight include Congressman 
Vasquez's H.R. 1965, the Veteran Education Assistance 
Adjustment Act, which increases the book and supply stipend 
from $1,000 to $1,400 per year. We all know that things cost 
more today than they did even a year ago but the book stipend 
has remained the same since the post-9/11 GI Bill was enacted 
in 2008.
    Congresswoman Budzinski's H.R. 2034, the Edith Nourse 
Rogers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 
Scholarship Opportunity Act makes the requirements for the 
scholarship program more accessible for students pursuing 
rigorous STEM fields.
    Last, Congressman Kennedy's H.R. 2720, the Gold Star Family 
Education Parity Act, reduces the challenges faced by surviving 
dependents by matching their educational benefits with those 
offered under the post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the existing Chapter 
35 survivors and dependents educational assistance, Gold Star 
families are often left with a less generous education benefit 
while simultaneously dealing with their loss.
    By expanding this benefit to surviving dependents, families 
can pursue the education and training they need to secure 
gainful employment following the loss of a loved one.
    Our veterans need additional support to keep up with the 
cost of living and education expenses are certainly no 
exception, so I urge members of this subcommittee to support 
veterans' education and training by supporting these bills.
    Last, I want to remind the subcommittee that during the 
last month's full committee hearing with Secretary Collins, he 
committed to addressing veterans homelessness. We do not want 
to lose the gains already made toward ending veteran 
homelessness, and we have a legislative solution to continue 
this momentum, Representative Dexter's Every Veteran Housed 
Act.
    This bill expands eligibility for support services to 
anyone who served in uniform and received anything but a 
dishonorable discharge. By expanding the eligibility criteria 
to cover more veterans, we help those who served our Nation get 
back on their feet and live with dignity and respect.
    I thank the Chairman, our colleagues, and our witnesses for 
their time today. These are important policy issues that we are 
trying to solve for veterans to make the best use of their 
earned benefits. I look forward to working with the 
subcommittee for continued progress on these issues, and I 
yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    I will now introduce the witness panel. Our first witness 
is Dr. Liz Clark, Acting Director of Defense Support Service 
Center at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
    Our next witness is Mr. Nick Pamperin, executive director 
of Veterans Readiness and Employment at the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Thomas Alphonso, Assistant 
Director of Policy and Procedures with education services at 
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    I ask the witnesses please to stand and raise your right 
hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to 
provide is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the 
truth?
    [Witnesses sworn.]
    Mr. Van Orden. You may be seated. Thank you. The record 
will reflect that the witnesses have answered in the 
affirmative. I will ask the witnesses and members today to 
respect the 5-minute rule.
    Dr. Clark, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver 
your testimony.

                     STATEMENT OF LIZ CLARK

    Dr. Clark. Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and 
distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the 
opportunity to appear before you to discuss Enhancing the 
Transitioning Servicemember's Experience Act. The department is 
committed to supporting our warfighters and their families as 
they navigate the transition from military to civilian life.
    TAP is the essential foundation of that support and sets 
the conditions for successful transition. Each year TAP 
provides approximately 200,000 servicemembers with a common 
level of support regardless of location, military service, or 
component, and at over 200 locations around the globe.
    The overarching result is that today's TAP provides 
servicemembers more comprehensive transition preparation, 
information, support, and services than at any time during our 
Nation's history.
    TAP provides broad-ranging information, training, 
resources, and support that effectively prepare servicemembers 
for success as they navigate through the challenges and 
opportunities presented during the transition from active duty 
to civilian life. This support enables and empowers 
servicemembers to leverage their skills, knowledge, and 
abilities to reach their full potential, achieve individual 
post-transition goals, and continue to serve our Nation as 
successful veterans who strengthen our local communities and 
our Nation.
    Since its inception in 1991, TAP has undergone extensive 
changes to ensure it is relevant, agile, and ever-improving to 
meet the needs of transitioning servicemembers. TAP design 
ensures both flexibility and relevance.
    The flexibility afforded by current TAP design allows the 
tailoring of the transition process to individual needs and 
goals, while ensuring that servicemembers receive information 
and resources that best support individualized preparation for 
transition.
    TAP stays relevant through the focus on preparation for 
civilian life and ensuring servicemember buy-in, and active 
participation. In short, TAP works.
    TAP works in large part because of the TAPs interagency's 
dynamic and a collaboration and partnership, a best-in-class 
example of effective Federal agency collaboration and service 
delivery.
    The TAP interagency delivers TAP as an individualized, 
robust program with alternate pathways and multiple levels of 
assistance. Each step of the process is guided by TAP 
counselors trained to provide employment, education, and 
entrepreneur guidance and assistance, allowing servicemembers 
to be in control of their transition and utilize programs, 
resources, and information that fit their specific needs and 
align with their post-transition goals.
    Military-to-civilian transition is an ever-evolving, 
complex, and multifaceted environment in which the variety of 
individual goals equals the number of transitioning 
servicemembers.
    TAP is and must remain adaptive while ensuring programmatic 
focus on three foundational and complementary tenets: effective 
counseling, servicemember buy-in, and meaningful support 
connections throughout the transition period.
    Therefore, TAP will maintain emphasis on an individualized 
approach that best meets the servicemember's post-transition 
goals. To that end, TAP will remain innovative, responsive, 
transparent, and collaborative.
    The department will continuously improve transition 
services and support by working with the servicemembers, the 
military services, interagency partners, non-governmental 
entities, and Congress.
    Transitioning from military service to veteran status is 
not just a professional priority for me. It is deeply personal. 
As an Army officer who has served in the active component, the 
Reserves, and the National Guard, I have lived the challenges 
that come with taking off the uniform but still carrying the 
mission.
    During my time working in suicide prevention, I had the 
distinct honor of speaking with those navigating through 
transition, those who have experienced suicide-related 
behaviors, and families who have endured heartbreaking losses. 
These conversations have stayed with me. They remind me every 
day that this work is critical, and I am fully committed on 
both a personal and professional level to strengthening the 
partnerships and policies that support our veterans.
    It is our duty to ensure that those who serve return to 
communities that uplift them, systems that support them, and a 
Nation that continues to benefit from their strength.
    In closing, Mr. Chairman, I thank you, Ranking Member 
Pappas and the members of the subcommittee for your outstanding 
and continuing support of the men and women who proudly wear 
the uniform in defense of our great Nation. I am truly honored 
to speak with you today, and I look forward to your questions.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Liz Clark Appears In The 
Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlelady yields back. The written 
statement of Dr. Clark will be entered into the hearing record.
    Mr. Pamperin, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to 
deliver your testimony on behalf of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

                   STATEMENT OF NICK PAMPERIN

    Mr. Pamperin. Good morning, Chairman Van Orden, Ranking 
Member Pappas, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. 
Thank you for inviting us here today to present our views on 
bills affecting VA programs and benefits. Joining me today is 
Mr. Tom Alphonso, Assistant Director of Education Service at 
the Veterans Benefits Administration.
    While VA's views on all of the bills are detailed in my 
written testimony, I would like to highlight a few bills that 
would have profound effect on our delivery of services to 
veterans, survivors, and their family members. VA offers 
support for much of the proposed legislation before us today.
    First, VA supports H.R. 3579, the Veterans Readiness And 
Employment Integrity Act, which would establish a 180-day time 
limit for employment assistance. Veterans demonstrate the 
highest engagement in their job search within the first 3 to 6 
months of placement services. This is also the timeframe in 
which the majority of VR&E participants find employment.
    VA also proposes that the Congress apply the 180-day 
limitation to counseling placement and post-payment (sic) 
services addressed in the regulation, which can currently be 
provided for up to 18 months. This would ensure a more targeted 
approach, maximizing the effectiveness of the program.
    VA supports but cites significant concerns with H.R. 3387, 
Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember's Experience Act. VA 
supports the bill's overall intent, specifically the 
personalized support for at-risk servicemembers and creating a 
TAP resource website.
    However, VA does not support certain sections due to 
resource and logistical concerns, including unannounced audits 
of pre-separation counseling and additional counseling for 
military spouses outside of normal hours.
    VA defers to DoD and U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) on several areas, but in summary, while we endorse the 
intent, several practical and resource challenges must be 
addressed for effective implementation.
    VA does not support H.R. 3384, the Refinancing Relief For 
Veterans Act. VA collects loan fees to fund housing loan 
operations and reduce taxpayer liabilities for loans 
guaranteed, insured, or made by VA and the need for the 
adjustment of the interest rate reduction refinance loan, or 
IRRRL.
    VA cites concern with the IRRRL statutory loan fee rate 
since this bill would first decrease then increase the IRRRL 
loan rate fee. It is not clear to VA how these adjustments 
would in the long term benefit the veteran, the VA home loan 
program, or the taxpayer.
    Also, the bill would result in costly and time-consuming 
system changes for both lenders and VA. Any time the statutory 
loan fee rate changes VA systems are required to ensure VA 
calculates and charges the correct fee. Lenders generally 
require up to 120 days or more lead time for program changes to 
their systems and additional training any time there is a 
change to the funding fee rate.
    VA also does not support H.R. 2720, the Gold Star Family 
Education Parity Act. While VA supports the concept of 
consolidating Chapter 35 and 33 educational assistance programs 
into a single benefit, VA would not be able to implement this 
legislation as written because the Chapter 35 and 33 programs 
have considerably different eligibility rules and payment 
structures, which is not addressed in this bill.
    VA notes several aspects of the bill lack clarity, and VA 
would welcome discussions on a path forward that may satisfy 
the committee's intent for this legislation.
    Finally, VA does not support the Every Veteran Housed Act, 
which aims to expand eligibility for homeless benefits. While 
VA strongly agrees with the need to resolve veteran 
homelessness and is exploring all options to address this 
issue, VA has some concerns with the bill's provisions.
    Primarily, current law uses two different statutory 
definitions for veteran for eligibility purposes. By adopting a 
single definition for all programs and authorities in Chapter 
20, the bill would alter current terms for more than a dozen 
different programs.
    VA believes further coordination and review is necessary 
before such a significant step is taken. This expansion would 
also require additional resources, and VA and other agencies 
have not had the opportunity to determine what these resources 
would be.
    We welcome the opportunity to meet with the committee to 
discuss how VA and Congress can work together to further reduce 
and eliminate veteran homelessness.
    VA appreciates many of the remaining bills on the agenda 
today, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the 
committee to find a way to resolve the issues we have 
identified so that we can fully support all of them. We are 
grateful for the resources that Congress has provided to VA and 
pledge to do all that we can to ensure they are used as 
effectively as possible.
    Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement. My colleagues 
and I are prepared to respond to any questions you or the other 
members of the committee may have.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Nick Pamperin Appears In The 
Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back. The written 
statement of Mr. Pamperin will be entered into the hearing 
record.
    I now recognize Ranking Member Pappas for 5 minutes.
    Mr. Pappas. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
    Mr. Pamperin, if I can start with you? I want to ask a 
question about the GI Bill Parity Act and ask you about VA 
determining eligibility and amounts of education benefits under 
Chapter 33, when a veteran chooses to transfer their benefit to 
a dependent. Can you tell me a little bit more about how VA 
determines that eligibility under Chapter 33?
    Mr. Alphonso.
    Mr. Alphonso. Thank you, sir. I will take that question. I 
think your question was how do we determine eligibility to 
transfer benefits? That is actually a determination that is 
made while in service. It is on the Department of Defense side 
so the military secretaries first have to determine that the 
servicemember has met the time and service requirements that 
are in statute. They then have to commit to an additional 4 
years of service to be eligible and then they are authorized to 
transfer their benefits to their dependents after they complete 
those initial service requirements that are in statute.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. I am just wondering, you talked, Mr. 
Pamperin, about opposition to the bill because of different 
eligibility rules, payment structures. I am just wondering, 
since there is already a process for transferring education 
benefits to dependents, is not this something that you could 
work through?
    Mr. Alphonso. Thank you, sir, I will take that as well. 
There certainly are ways to figure out how this bill could 
work. That is why we said we would welcome the opportunity to 
work with the committee, as we stated. We agree with moving 
Chapter 35 to 33. There are lots of reasons that that is a good 
idea. We just need to work through those technical parts.
    As it is written, it does not give us any guidance for how 
to do any of those rules, so that is all we are saying is we 
would welcome the opportunity to work on technical amendments 
to get to whatever is the concept Congress wants to pursue 
there.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay, sir. It sounds like you believe it is 
something that can be overcome with further discussion and some 
additional language in the legislation?
    Mr. Alphonso. Absolutely, sir.
    Mr. Pappas. What percentage of GI Bill education funding is 
going to online programs?
    Mr. Alphonso. Unfortunately, sir, I do not have that number 
for you but I can take that for the record.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. We would love to have a good number on 
that. I am wondering how many beneficiaries are enrolled in 
those programs full-time?
    Mr. Alphonso. Again, sir, I will have to take that for the 
record and get you those numbers.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. I am wondering how VA will know when to 
pay out full-time housing, stipend, or only half. How would 
that judgment be made?
    Mr. Alphonso. Yes, sir. That is currently done right now it 
is through the school when the school certifies the student's 
enrollment, they tell us whether the student is enrolled 
online, solely online, or if they are enrolled in resident. 
That then is what we use as our data point to determine the 
correct payment rate.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. There is a--you would have a way of 
determining what more than half time would mean?
    Mr. Alphonso. Absolutely, sir.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. I know online education is playing a 
critical role in helping veterans secure a degree, and I have a 
university in my district, Southern New Hampshire University, 
that is a leader in online education, enrolls more than 200,000 
students online, was awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning 
award by the U.S. Distance Learning Association. They are a 
good example of high quality, accessible educations that 
veterans deserve.
    Many Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) continue to 
express concerns about the quality of education offered by bad 
actors that are seeking to profit off veterans' benefits, so I 
am wondering if VA has a plan to provide better oversight and 
quality control of online programs?
    Mr. Alphonso. Yes, thank you, sir. The current program we 
have the State approving agents. They are the gatekeepers of 
quality so they have standards. There is standards in statute 
and then each State has the ability to add their own additional 
reasonable criteria.
    They ensure that the programs that are approved are of 
sufficient quality, and if they are not then the program would 
be disapproved from participation in the GI Bill.
    Mr. Pappas. I have limited time left. I want to switch to 
Representative Dexter's legislation, the Every Veteran Housed 
Act. I am wondering if you agree with the sentiment that there 
are veterans experiencing homelessness today because they are 
ineligible for programs offered through VA?
    Mr. Pamperin. Excuse me. I appreciate the question. There 
are certainly veterans who are homeless that currently are not 
availing of VA homeless benefits.
    Mr. Pappas. Yes.
    Mr. Pamperin. We do support the intent of the legislation.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. You agree with the intent that expanding 
to a broader definition would capture more veterans and would 
help us address the problem of veteran homelessness?
    Mr. Pamperin. Well, I think, sir, what we need to do is we 
need to assess the full impact by expanding that and 
consolidating the definitions down to one. That is why we would 
need to assess and work with agencies. There are other players 
who have equity in this to make sure that it is doable.
    Mr. Pappas. Is it a question of resources?
    Mr. Pamperin. In all honesty, sir, I am not the homeless 
benefits expert. I would have to take that for the record.
    Mr. Pappas. Okay. We will talk further about that.
    I will yield back. Thank you.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    The chair now recognizes Representative King-Hinds for 5 
minutes.
    Ms. King-Hinds. Thank you, Chairman Van Orden, for the 
opportunity to speak on a critical new piece of legislation, 
H.R. 3720, the Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity Act of 
2025. Thank you for co-leading it with me.
    According to the statistics provided by the VA, veteran 
homelessness rose 19 percent from 2020 to 2022 in the Northern 
Mariana Islands, and I am sure I am not the first or the last 
person to say that veteran and homeless should not exist 
together.
    When our veterans return home after serving our country, 
they deserve every opportunity to build a stable and secure 
life. For many, that starts with the cornerstone of the 
American dream, home ownership. The Department of Veterans 
Affairs' home loan program has helped millions of veterans and 
their families buy homes. It is one of the most impactful 
benefits that veterans can access.
    While the VA home loan opens the door, it does not provide 
veterans with the education needed to develop a deep 
understanding of financial planning. To provide additional 
tools for veteran home buyers, the Housing Oversight and 
Mitigating Exploitation (HOME) Act does two key things.
    First, it empowers the VA to partner with veteran service 
organizations and nonprofits to offer voluntary financial 
counseling to veterans using their VA home loan benefit. This 
is critical.
    Too often, veterans become home owners and need financial 
planning. Without it they may fall behind on payments or even 
lose their homes. This bill helps prevent that outcome by 
making proactive financial guidance readily available.
    Second, the HOME Act creates a national data base of 
adapted homes that accommodate disabilities. Right now, if a 
disabled veteran needs to buy a home there is no centralized 
way to find homes that fits their needs. They are forced to 
look for accessible homes from scratch.
    With this bill, veterans using the specially adapted 
housing program, or SAH, could use this data base to find homes 
that meet the needs of their disability. It is a simple, common 
sense solution that reduces the burden and helps veterans find 
a place where they can live safely and comfortably.
    We islanders look out for each other. It is who we are. 
This bill reflects our shared beliefs that no one should fall 
through the cracks because of lack of information or resources.
    The people who defended our country should never have to 
face financial instability or risk losing their home when all 
of us here can provide them with the knowledge needed to thrive 
as homeowners by supporting this bill. I urge all my colleagues 
to support the HOME Act of 2025.
    I am a believer in prevention is better than cure, and I 
think a lot of the bills before this committee does just that. 
I want to speak directly to the TAP program, which I think 
attempts to do just that, provide our vets with the resources.
    Some of the things that I am still hearing, and I am really 
glad, Dr. Clark, that you mentioned that you are working on 
having individualized transition paths for our vets, because 
too often what we are hearing is that the program is a one-
size-fits-all, you know, program that does not necessarily 
address the particularized needs of our vets.
    One of the things that I am also hearing is that there are 
gaps in post-TAP follow up and continuity of care. Can you just 
speak to that issue and share your thoughts on how we can work 
together to make improvements to that?
    Dr. Clark. Thank you so much for the question and the 
support for the TAP program. TAP that was 10 years ago, 5 years 
ago, and even 3 years ago, is different than what it is today. 
We are appreciative of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) that changed TAP from a one-size-fits-
all to an individualized program.
    That each servicemember has different needs and different 
post-transition goals, and that all starts with the initial 
counseling that will help them pave the way for what their 
transition looks like and then ends with a capstone at 90 days 
prior to separation.
    At that point, if the transitioning servicemember may be at 
heightened risk, we then do a warm handover transfer to either 
the appropriate Federal agency or the local resource.
    We also then do have with our partnership with the 
Department of Labor and VA opportunities to then reach out to 
the veterans as well. We also have Military OneSource that is 
available 365 days after separation or retirement.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlelady yields back.
    The chair now recognizes Mrs. Ramirez for 5 minutes.
    Ms. Ramirez. Thank you, Chairman, and beloved Ranking 
Member for holding this hearing. I also want to thank all of 
our witnesses that are here today. Yes, beloved. You are, kind 
of, beloved too.
    What you see here is we really are wanting to get above the 
politics and really focus on serving our veterans, which is why 
I started the way I did, but let me come back to my remarks 
today. My priority, in addition to make sure that this 
committee is working together, is to center the needs of the 
20,000 veterans I represent in Illinois' Third congressional 
District. Those needs include a veteran's successful transition 
into civilian life.
    The transition from military service to civilian life is 
distinct and complex, and the Transition Assistance Program, 
TAP, plays a unique role in facilitating a successful 
transition from employment assistance to mental health 
services, housing support, and access to continued education, 
our veterans deserve an integrated, streamlined, comprehensive 
approach to TAP that recognizes their sacrifices, that honors 
their needs, and provides them with the necessary tools, 
resources, and the support that they need to succeed.
    We know that TAP needs improvement, and I want to say that 
I appreciate Congressman Van Orden's bill, the Enhancing the 
Transiting Servicemember's Experience Act, which attempts to 
improve TAP through various changes. The ideas on this bill are 
worth building on, and I want to discuss the ways these ideas 
could be improved to fully serve our veterans.
    One of the proposed changes to the bill would allow active 
duty servicemembers to engage a TAP program earlier, 540 days 
instead of 356 days. While ensuring they have a longer period 
where they can begin assessing the program earlier and 
accessing resources does not fix the fact that these resources 
are still rooted in a check the box mentality, you know, watch 
a video, check, and fill out the paper, check, and visit the 
website, check and check after check. I do think that it begins 
to give them more resources earlier.
    Another change to TAP I would offer is counseling that is 
trauma-informed, culturally competent, and fully integrated 
with State and local workforce systems. Counseling must take 
into account the diversity of our veterans, which means it must 
be able to serve the unique needs of our veterans, and that 
includes women, LGBTQ plus servicemembers, and servicemembers 
of color.
    I also have a serious concern about how this bill could 
normalize a two-tiered TAP system, and one of the changes in 
this bill would provide free counseling for 3 days for those 
who find employment, versus 5 days for those without.
    Counseling should be given equitably to all veterans, 
regardless of their ability to get employment after separation. 
To improve TAP, we need mandatory participation. We need TAP to 
begin not just earlier but more often and throughout a 
servicemember's career, not just at the end, and we need 
funding to actually back it up.
    Dr. Clark, in this administration, supportive of giving 
servicemembers more--let me reword my question. Dr. Clark, is 
this administration supportive of giving servicemembers more 
time for TAP?
    Number two, Dr. Clark, what additional changes are needed 
to make that possible at the DoD?
    Dr. Clark. Thank you for the question. Currently, the NDAA 
Fiscal Year 2019 has TAP available and mandatory at 365 days 
pre-separation. For retirees it is 730 days. It is 2 years 
prior to their retirement.
    Due to the operational readiness and with commanders 
balancing that delicate balance between operational readiness 
and supporting the transition period, we feel that 365 days is 
the appropriate time where it is then mandatory, although we do 
have TAP that is available online 24/7 that does not even 
require a TAP card for any servicemembers.
    365 days is the point where we feel is the delicate balance 
between the operational readiness needs, as well as the 
supporting the transitioning servicemember.
    Ms. Ramirez. What structural reforms would DoD be 
considering to ensure that TAP is not only more equitable but 
also trauma-informed, culturally responsive? Again, I just want 
to really emphasize when we are talking about our veterans we 
are talking about all of them, and I include the LGBTQ+ 
servicemembers and servicemembers of color.
    I am really interested how do we do that beyond the 
employment rates?
    Dr. Clark. Thank you so much, and when we look at TAP being 
individualized it is individualized if it is a career field, if 
it is one of the underrepresented populations, it is continuing 
to be that individual counseling for that specific need for 
that specific transition goal.
    The TAP of yesterday and even TAP of today is not the same 
that it will continue to be. We are committed to ensuring that 
TAP remains the best in class, and we are continuing to evolve 
it.
    Ms. Ramirez. Thank you, Dr. Clark.
    With that, Chairman, I yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentle-lady yields back.
    The chair recognizes Mr. Hamadeh from the great State of 
Arizona.
    Mr. Hamadeh. Thank you, Chairman.
    Thank you all for being here today as well. I am grateful 
for the opportunity to speak before the subcommittee on the 
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act, a bill 
that I am very proud to co-lead with Congresswoman Budzinski. 
She has been phenomenal to work with.
    As an Army veteran and a member of both the Armed Services 
and Veteran Affairs Committee, I know exactly how difficult it 
can be for soldiers transitioning to civilian life. You know, 
veterans often share with me personal stories about the many 
financial obstacles they face in completing degrees in high 
demand areas, such as engineering, computer science, and 
healthcare. I have heard all of these stories many times 
before, and these stories demand action.
    Now, that is why this bipartisan bill is so important. 
Right now, the VA's own rules force veterans to exhaust nearly 
all of their post-9/11 GI Bill benefits before they can even 
apply for the STEM scholarship.
    Our bill fixes this by letting veterans apply earlier after 
they have completed 45 credit hours instead of 60 and without 
having to drain their GI Bill first. It is a simple common 
sense change that puts veterans first and cuts needless red 
tape.
    Over the last 3 years, 3,500 veterans have used the 
scholarship to pursue STEM degrees, but we know the demand is 
much higher, especially as Arizona continues to lead the way in 
semiconductor manufacturing and defense technology with Taiwan 
Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) and Luke Air 
Force Base right in our own backyard. We need more homegrown 
talent ready to fill these critical roles, and who better than 
those who have already served our country?
    Now, this bill is about strengthening our workforce, 
boosting our national security, and honoring our promise to 
veterans. It is backed by the American Legion, Disabled 
American Veterans (DAV), Student Veterans of America and AMVETS 
organizations that know our veterans need to succeed.
    Now, the bottom line is this. Meeting the needs of our 
veterans should never be a partisan issue. This is about giving 
our Nation's heroes the tools to succeed in the next chapter of 
their lives, while also strengthening America's economic and 
technological edge.
    I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help us 
deliver real results for those who have sacrificed so much for 
our country.
    With that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    The chair now recognizes Representative Kennedy from the 
great State of--well, from New York.
    Mr. Kennedy. Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Ranking 
Member Pappas, members of the subcommittee, thank you for the 
opportunity to speak today in support of my bill, H.R. 2720, 
the Gold Star Family Parity Act.
    When our sons and daughters take an oath to defend our 
Nation, their families take that oath with them and during long 
deployments, missed milestones, and the ever-present anxiety of 
having a loved one in harm's way.
    When the unthinkable happens, when a servicemember makes 
the ultimate sacrifice, it is those families who bear the 
lifelong weight of that loss.
    As members of this committee, we have a solemn 
responsibility to ensure that our policies support those 
families, not fail them. Right now when it comes to educational 
benefits, our system does exactly that.
    Under current law, if a servicemember dies before formally 
transferring their post-9/11 GI benefits, their spouse or 
children are left with a lesser benefit under Chapter 35, 
survivors independence educational assistance, or DEA. Let me 
be clear, that disparity is both outdated and unfair.
    DEA provides survivors and dependents roughly $1,536 per 
month, or about $13,800 annually for full-time study, but the 
average annual cost for a 4-year public university is more than 
$27,000.
    This financial gap leaves Gold Star families, who are 
already grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling to make 
ends meet simply because their servicemember had not completed 
a transfer form before their death and died in service to this 
country. It is unjust and certainly not the way we should treat 
the families of our fallen heroes.
    The Gold Star Family Parity Act that I carry would correct 
this inequity. My bill ensures that all surviving dependents, 
regardless of whether benefits were officially transferred, 
received the full post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits their 
loved ones have earned by that individual's service and 
sacrifice to this country. In short, it ensures that Gold Star 
families are treated with the dignity, gratitude, and support 
that they deserve and earned.
    I am proud to lead this effort on behalf of the families of 
western New York and across our country who have given more 
than we can ever repay. I would like to thank Ms. Ashlynne 
Haycock-Lohmann, the director of Government and Legislative 
Affairs at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors for 
their endorsement of this bill.
    We cannot let red tape stand in the way of what is right. 
When a servicemember gives their life for this country, their 
families should not be left behind because of an administrative 
hurdle. This is our chance to honor their sacrifice with 
action, not just words.
    Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important 
piece of legislation, and I urge all of our colleagues to 
support the Gold Star Family Parity Act to deliver the justice, 
dignity, and support to these families of these fallen heroes. 
Thank you. I yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlemen yields back. In accordance 
with committee rule 5 (e), I ask unanimous consent that 
Representative Vasquez from New Mexico be permitted to 
participate in today's committee, excuse me, subcommittee 
hearing. No objection, so ordered.
    The chair now recognizes Representative Barrett from the 
great State of Michigan.
    Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for 
taking up these bills and for the testimony today. Wanted to 
start, Mr. Pamperin, did I say your name correctly, sir? Very 
good, thank you. I appreciate the VA's initial support for my 
bill, the Patriots Over Politics Act, to restore the GI Bill 
transferability for servicemembers who left the military under 
duress during the time of the COVID vaccine mandate. That was, 
obviously, later reversed and then has been attempted to be 
reconciled over time.
    Now, one of the issues that the VA brought up as a concern 
was the enactment period, the 90-day window to open a period of 
time for veterans who qualify to apply for this benefit. I 
believe in your testimony you pointed out that starting from 
the point of enactment is difficult for the department to do.
    If we allowed for a 1-year period for the secretary to open 
a 90-day window would that satisfy the concerns that the 
department has on that piece of it?
    Mr. Alphonso. Sir, I will be taking that question.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay.
    Mr. Alphonso. What you are asking about is, I think, 
essentially how long will it take to implement the----
    Mr. Barrett. Right.
    Mr. Alphonso [continuing]. changes. That would have to 
defer to DoD, as we discussed a little bit earlier. This bill 
creates an opportunity to transfer entitlement.
    Mr. Barrett. Right.
    Mr. Alphonso. The transfer entitlement portion is actually 
done on the DoD side, so the system that is used, the portal 
that you use to apply and then to transfer benefits, that is 
all DoD systems. We would have to defer to them----
    Mr. Barrett. Okay.
    Mr. Alphonso [continuing]. to answer your question about 
how long it would take.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay, thank you.
    Dr. Clark, that brings up my next point, which is the VA 
deferred in their testimony to your department for this. I do 
not believe in reading your testimony that you had rendered any 
position on the bill. Can you help us understand where the DoD 
is?
    Dr. Clark. This is an important topic to the department, 
and we will take that for the record.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay. How quickly can we determine an answer? 
I mean, I would like to, obviously, get this done. There were a 
lot of people affected by this.
    Dr. Clark. Yes. We understand the importance of this, and 
we will take that back for the record and go through our formal 
protocols for the response.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay. In the DoD do you have any records of 
people who left the military during the time of the mandate, 
during the time as prescribed under the bill, who may have 
begun the process of transferability but their careers were cut 
short before the timeline had run for that full completion?
    Do you have those records where if a servicemember left, 
ended their enlistment, was released under some, kind of, 
disciplinary status due to COVID mandate, or retired, do we 
have that archived record of the, you know, in-process 
transfers that was cut short? Or was that deleted at the time 
of their departure?
    Dr. Clark. I understand the question. It is outside of my 
portfolio, so I will take that back for the record.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay. I do appreciate that. Do you have any 
idea how many members of the military this may have affected 
who were in this circumstance?
    Dr. Clark. We will also take that for the record.
    Mr. Barrett. Okay. I know that the cost that the 
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) came up with was, as they 
said, I think the direct quote was, ``in the low single digit 
millions over a 10-year period.'' That is about the lowest 
price tag I have seen on a bill that has been scored.
    If the DoD can render any opinion on that as well or in 
consultation with the VA, we would appreciate knowing that as 
well. So, but appreciate it, thank you.
    Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    In accordance with committee rule 5 (e), I ask unanimous 
consent that the Representative Mr. Mast from the great State 
of Florida be permitted to participate in today's subcommittee 
hearing. Without objection, so ordered.
    The chair now recognizes Mr. Vasquez for 5 minutes.
    Mr. Vasquez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Thank you distinguished members of the Veterans Affairs 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for allowing me to 
participate in today's hearing to discuss my bill, H.R. 1965, 
the bipartisan Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment Act.
    In New Mexico alone, we have one of the highest rates of 
answering the call of duty than any other State in the Nation, 
but it is also one of the most financially challenged states in 
the Nation and our veterans sacrifice dearly in defense of our 
country.
    We have an obligation to take care of them once they 
transition back into civilian life and pursue higher education. 
The post-9/11 GI Bill has been a key resource for veterans in 
New Mexico and across this Nation to access financial 
assistance as they work to achieve their academic goals. 
Unfortunately, the value of the GI Bill has diminished over the 
years due to inflation and the rising cost of living.
    Since it was last updated in 2008, the GI Bill has provided 
an annual stipend of $1,000 for books, supplies, and other 
educational costs. When considering the rise of inflation, 
$1,000 in 2008 equates to $1,485 in 2025.
    The stipend today's veterans are getting is worth 
significantly less than their predecessors received over 17 
years ago, and that is simply not fair. We must do more to 
ensure our veterans have the resources they need to be 
successful in the civilian world, which is why I am proud to 
lead the bipartisan Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment 
Act.
    My bill would address this shortfall by increasing the GI 
book stipend from $1,000 to $1,400 per year to give our 
veterans the full value of the intended benefit. Books and 
other school supplies can be a barrier for many veterans when 
they return to school, and they deserve the opportunity to 
educate themselves without being financially burdened.
    New Mexico is home to over 130,000 veterans and roughly 
4,000 of those are currently enrolled in school using GI 
education benefits. Veterans upheld their end of the bargain 
when they raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect 
our freedom.
    Now, we must do our part to ensure they have the benefits 
that they were promised in exchange for their years of selfless 
service. This is why I strongly urge this committee to hold a 
markup as soon as possible and favorably pass this bipartisan 
bill to give our veterans the opportunity to reach their 
academic potential.
    I especially want to thank Chairman Van Orden for the 
opportunity to be here today and speak on this bill and for his 
support as a co-sponsor of this bill as well. I yield back the 
balance of my time. Thank you, Mr. Van Orden.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    The chair now recognizes my great friend Brian Mast from 
the State of Florida.
    Mr. Mast. Thank you, Chairman Van Orden and Ranking Member 
Pappas. I appreciate you letting me waive onto the committee 
today and join you all, an amazing committee, represents the 
best that our country has ever put forward and our brothers and 
sisters in arms could not appreciate every single one of you 
more. Love you all to the depths of my heart. That is for sure.
    I want to speak to you all about squatters, squatters in 
the homes of our servicemembers. This is something that despite 
being on the Veterans Affairs Committee-came through this 
committee-as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, even though 
it affects those that are in service still.
    Anybody who has a friend or a family member that is serving 
in uniform or has served, you know the challenges associated 
with going away, with being on deployment, being on a float, 
moving across the country, maybe having to have a home that you 
have lived in that you have not had the opportunity to sell yet 
before you have to change your duty station somewhere else 
across the country, just a number of different difficulties 
that are associated with that military lifestyle and having to 
transition across the globe.
    I could not really imagine something that would be more 
infuriating than coming back from a deployment or a float or a 
training exercise or some long, extended period away and 
finding squatters in my home.
    Whether that be a home that was my primary residence or if 
I had an investment or anything else like that, it would be an 
extremely frustrating, to say the least, situation and costly 
situation because a number of states actually have laws that do 
more to protect the squatters than protect the servicemember 
homeowners from the squatters, which is an entirely sour part 
of this problem.
    What I want to ask, number one, is can any of you all speak 
to what you have seen about servicemembers returning to 
squatters in their home? Do any of you have an experience in 
this?
    Mr. Pamperin. I appreciate the question. I have not. For 
the Civil Relief Act, this is one that we have deferred to DoD 
since we are talking active duty, so VA does not have any 
equity. I am not familiar with any.
    Dr. Clark. I understand the critical importance of this 
issue. The department takes that back for the record.
    Mr. Mast. You will take it for the record? Is that what you 
said? Thank you.
    Mr. Alphonso. Sir, I have no experience.
    Mr. Mast. I appreciate that. I did introduce a piece of 
legislation related to this. It is what we call the 
Servicemember Residence Protection Act, and it is specifically 
to go to the parameters of what I outlined.
    While these squatters laws they do vary from State to 
State, they do generally allow trespassers to claim ownership 
of a property if it is simply open, unoccupied, if their stay 
is continuous on the property. These are things that they will 
try to demonstrate to the State, even though they have no 
contract, no legal binding to these properties.
    Then removing them from the property is, again, it takes a 
lengthy legal intervention. We have very specific cases that we 
have looked at where servicemembers have spent upwards of 
$50,000, which is a tremendous amount of money for any of us on 
a military salary, as anybody can recognize, to try and get 
these people out in legal fees.
    I would ask you all as individuals that certainly have a 
background in this world, do you see squatters moving into the 
homes of our servicemembers as an issue affecting national 
security?
    Mr. Pamperin. Honestly, sir, I am not sure I can answer 
that question.
    Mr. Mast. You do not see that as affecting the readiness of 
a servicemember if they are dealing with legal headaches as it 
relates to somebody unlawfully being in their home or taking 
over their residence, leaving the toilet seat down, utilizing 
their silverware, their plates, their dishes, sitting on their 
couch, putting their feet up, watching the television, all the 
while they cannot get them out of their home?
    Mr. Pamperin. Respectfully, sir, I do not have a position 
and I do not represent my personal opinion.
    Mr. Mast. Madam Clark--Dr. Clark.
    Dr. Clark. Agree with my VA colleagues that I understand 
the seriousness of this and I do not have an opinion on this.
    Mr. Mast. No opinion about whether that affects the 
readiness of servicemembers?
    Dr. Clark. In line with my VA colleague here, too, that 
understand the importance of this topic----
    Mr. Mast. No opinion about whether it affects the readiness 
of servicemembers?
    Dr. Clark. We will have to take that for the record.
    Mr. Mast. Really?
    Dr. Clark. The department remains committed to being able 
to provide information to the subcommittee.
    Mr. Mast. Okay. I am just looking for opinion, right, from 
the Department of Defense.
    Dr. Clark. I am not representing my personal opinion here. 
I am representing the Department.
    Mr. Mast. Certainly, the opinion of the Department of 
Defense. All right. Well, that is how you want to answer it I 
do not have any other choice but to accept that. It is an issue 
that affects a number of our servicemembers.
    I have had the opportunity to speak to some of them that 
have been specifically affected by this, again, pointing out 
the dollar amounts that it is costing them.
    I would just thank the Ranking Member and Chairman for the 
opportunity to speak about this as an issue that I believe 
affects readiness because of the personal impact it has on 
individuals. You have given me ample time. I appreciate that.
    Thank you for the great work you all do on this incredible 
committee.
    Mr. Van Orden. You are welcome, sir. The gentleman yields 
back.
    I now recognize myself for 5 minutes. Dr. Clark, I want to 
thank you for being here. I do not know what happened, but the 
DoD has been much more responsive to this committee, and I am 
telling you right now I appreciate it deeply. We have had 
issues in the past and we could not seem to line up, but you 
being here again is really--it is commendable and I appreciate 
that. It shows a real commitment to making sure that we deal 
with the lifespan of the servicemember.
    I also want to thank Secretary Collins and Secretary 
Hegseth for signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to 
address this TAP thing. I mean, that is brand new. I mean, we 
have been trying to get something going for a long time.
    This is really important to Chris and me. It was Mike, my 
friend, the previous Ranking Member. We are moving forward, and 
I appreciate that greatly.
    How long have you been at the DoD in a civilian capacity?
    Dr. Clark. This August it will be 16 years.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay, awesome.
    Mr. Pamperin, how long have you been at the VA?
    Mr. Pamperin. I have been at the VA, excuse me, since 
October 2001.
    Mr. Van Orden. Since when?
    Mr. Pamperin. 23 and a half.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay.
    Mr. Pamperin. Or excuse me, yes, 23 and a half.
    Mr. Van Orden. In this--right--for 23 and a half years. 
Okay.
    I am a graduate of an online university and I believe that 
we need to expand the benefits for accredited online education 
and that I view that we are discriminating against students who 
are receiving monthly housing allowances (MHA) to take summer 
classes online to complete their degree. What do you suggest 
for amendments to H.R. 3753?
    Mr. Pamperin. Well, I will take that for the----
    Mr. Van Orden. It is--no. No. You are here, Mr. Pamperin. 
It is 2025 so you will answer this question, sir. If you are 
unfamiliar with the subject matter that is not okay. Can you 
answer this question, Mr. Pamperin?
    Mr. Pamperin. I cannot.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay.
    Mr. Pamperin. I am not an expert on this.
    Mr. Van Orden. VA has given information to the subcommittee 
that there are veterans that have been on VR&E for over 20 
years. Can you tell me your thoughts on the VR&E 8-year limit?
    Mr. Pamperin. We support the proposed legislation. We do 
believe it will put----
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. How can we work with you for oversight 
because clearly that does not exist at this point?
    Mr. Pamperin. We remain committed to working with the 
committee to do what is best for the program.
    Mr. Van Orden. Well, I am committed to grow my hair and it 
is not working, so there is a difference between a commitment 
and action.
    Mr. Pamperin. Absolutely.
    Mr. Van Orden. I am not confusing motion with progress, and 
I think you are. Do you think the book stipend should be 
increased?
    Mr. Pamperin. We do believe the book stipend should be 
increased.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. When you are talking about H.R. 3384 
in your written and verbal testimony, you say, ``Additionally, 
the bill would result in costly and time-consuming system 
changes for both lenders and the VA.'' What does that even 
mean?
    Mr. Pamperin. If----
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. What does that mean? Costly system 
changes?
    Mr. Pamperin. So----
    Mr. Van Orden. You guys are faxing stuff back and forth 
still, and then if it is time-consuming what do you guys do all 
day? Like, if you do not have time to do this, what are you 
doing? This is, I mean, that is just not okay. That is silly. 
It is time-consuming. It is your job, sir.
    Okay. I appreciate the VA responded to a letter that 
Chairman Bost and I sent out at the end of last year regarding 
the VR&E program. Unfortunately, this letter is very concerning 
because the information regarding wait times and proper 
oversight of VR&E, which you are directly responsible for, not 
him.
    After my staff has done more digging, you have now told us 
that there are individuals on the VR&E program for over 30 
years.
    I want everyone sitting back there with one of those hats 
on that I have got my office to understand there are people 
that have been on the VR&E program for over 30 years, 3 
decades. You have been in that seat since how long?
    Mr. Pamperin. For the last 3.
    Mr. Van Orden. Yes. When was the last time you did an 
annual report on this, because you are griping about having to 
do it for this other thing. When was the last time you did 
that? When is the last time you did an Inspector General (IG) 
investigation, is this person alive? Do we know these things?
    This is what we are talking about, the waste, fraud, abuse 
that needs to be cleaned up in the VA. Again, you have got a 
dude on VR&E since 1994. Can you explain to me directly why 
this is still happening?
    Mr. Pamperin. Yes. I appreciate the question. This 
gentleman in question----
    Mr. Van Orden. It is not a question.
    Mr. Pamperin [continuing]. has been on----
    Mr. Van Orden. Go ahead.
    Mr. Pamperin [continuing]. in the program, however, has 
been going in multiple points of interrupt, meaning they are no 
longer active. They are no longer receiving benefits or being 
paid.
    Mr. Van Orden. Hey, we did we did our homework, sir. 
Listen, we are going to have legislative hearing in July, and I 
am officially putting you on notice. You will have answers for 
this.
    We are going to find out if these people are alive because 
if someone has been on this program for 30 years that--in the 
intelligence business that is what we would call a clue that 
there is probably malfeasance involved here.
    With that, my time has expired. I am sorry for going over, 
gentlemen, but I just needed to clear that up.
    This panel is excused and we will take a short break as we 
switch panels.
    Mr. Van Orden. This committee will come to order. On our 
second panel we will hear from the following witnesses, excuse 
me, Mr. Andrew Petrie, Senior Policy Analyst, Veterans 
Education and Employment Division at the American Legion; Mr. 
Blaze Smith, Director of the University of Arizona's Veterans 
Education and Transition Services Center; Mr. Matthew 
Schwartzman, Director of Legislation and Military Policy at 
Reserve Organization of America (ROA); and Ms. Ashlynne 
Haycock-Lohmann, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs 
at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
    I would like to welcome you and ask you to stand and raise 
your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you 
are about to provide is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing 
but the truth?
    (Witnesses sworn)
    Mr. Van Orden. All right. You may be seated. Let the record 
reflect that all witnesses have answered in the affirmative.
    Mr. Petrie, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver 
your testimony.

                   STATEMENT OF ANDREW PETRIE

    Mr. Petrie. Thank you. Good morning, Chairman Van Orden, 
Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished members of the 
subcommittee. On behalf of national commander Jim LaCoursiere 
and more than 1.5 million dues-paying members of the American 
Legion, we thank you for inviting the American Legion to 
testify today.
    I sit before you as an experienced veteran advocate who has 
proudly used benefits and programs the VA offers to those who 
have defended freedom. As a first-generation college student, I 
have earned or I have attended various institutions of higher 
learning using my education benefits from the VA, DoD, and 
Department of Education, affording me the opportunity to obtain 
a Master's degree and positively impact the veteran community.
    Aside from education, excuse me, I have used the VA Home 
Loan Program twice, including the use of the VA Interest Rate 
Reduction Refinance Loan Program.
    I am also proud to have worked with various government 
officials and other organizations to modify and improve the 
Transition Assistance Program for the better part of the last 
decade.
    It is through this lens that I can see what our members 
see, to feel the discouragement and irritation that has 
manifested toward navigating the system, applying for 
employment and educational benefits, and using the benefits as 
intended.
    With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I would like to take 
this opportunity to highlight a few points while keeping our 
members and our Nation's veterans in mind. The American Legion 
has advocated for the improvement of education benefits for 
more than 8 decades following the Servicemen's Readjustment Act 
of 1944, which the American Legion created.
    Most of the bills addressed in today's hearing would affect 
the education of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. 
Two of these bills, Expanding Access for Online Veteran 
Students Act and the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment 
Act, seek to make overdue changes to the GI Bill, both 
supported by the American Legion.
    Mr. Ciscomani's draft bill would update and increase the 
monthly housing allowance for those pursuing education online 
to that of the national average. Currently, students obtaining 
online education only receive half of the national average for 
their monthly housing allowance.
    However, if the geographic area in which a veteran student 
resides does not offer the program needed or the veteran or 
spouse have a family and it is not feasible to attend school in 
person while working or raising their children, why would we 
discourage or punish them?
    With that said, protections such as the 90/10 rule must 
remain in place to prevent for-profit and private institutions 
from taking advantage of veterans and their hard-earned 
benefits.
    Meanwhile, H.R. 1965 would increase the yearly book stipend 
for students utilizing the GI Bill from $1,000 to $1,400, a 
benefit that has not changed with inflation. One of the largest 
issues the American Legion has brought to the forefront to 
tackle for our members, current and future, fall under 
financial stability and housing addressed first.
    Homelessness has been an issue addressed by this 
subcommittee numerous times and ending veteran homelessness is 
a major priority for the American Legion, which is why we 
support the Every Veteran Housed Act.
    Equally as important as access to housing, during my 4-year 
enlistment I moved two times under military orders across the 
globe. I share this experience with you in the context of H.R. 
2791, Increasing The Maximum Housing Loan Entitlement Act.
    The Every Veteran Housed Act aims to expand eligibility for 
homeless benefits for veterans, including those veterans with 
less than honorable discharges, while excluding those with 
dishonorable discharges and general court martial sentences. 
These newly encompassed veterans are at a higher risk for 
financial and housing issues.
    H.R. 2791 would increase the maximum entitlement to 1.5 
times that of the Freddie Mac maximum rate while looking to 
purchase the second home in the case that a servicemember or 
veteran's first home does not sell prior to the move.
    I conclude by thanking Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member 
Pappas, and this subcommittee for your incredible leadership 
and for always keeping veterans at the forefront of your 
mission, It is my privilege to represent the American Legion 
before this subcommittee, and I look forward to answering any 
questions you may have.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Andrew Petrie Appears In The 
Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. Thank you, Mr. Petrie. Let the record 
reflect that your written testimony will be entered into the 
record.
    Mr. Smith, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to deliver 
your testimony.

                    STATEMENT OF BLAZE SMITH

    Mr. Smith. Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and 
distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the 
opportunity to appear before you today. As someone who works 
directly with student veterans, transitioning servicemembers, 
and military-connected families every day, I see both the power 
of well-structured benefits the real consequences when those 
systems fall short.
    I am here not only as an administrator but as a veteran who 
has walked this path myself and who now works to make that 
journey more navigable for others. I enlisted in the United 
States Navy in 2012 as a Tomahawk weapons control operator.
    After 2 years of technical school, I deployed aboard the 
USS Porter, DDG-78 to the 6th Fleet area of operations. I 
managed the Tomahawk weapons system and eventually led the 
oversight, maintenance, and casualty control of all combat 
weapons systems on board DDG-78.
    We operated at a high tempo supporting missions, which 
included ballistic missile defense, anti-piracy, 
counterterrorism, strategic deterrence, and rapid response 
operations.
    In 2018, I transitioned out of the Navy and returned to my 
home of Tucson, Arizona, with my wife Alexia and our two young 
children, Griffin and Ember. We came back to be close to family 
while Alexia and I pursued higher education.
    I believed I had prepared well for the transition. I 
attended the DoD Transition Assistance Program, researched my 
benefits, and enrolled in school the same fall I separated. I 
quickly realized that I had underestimated the complexity of 
post-military life.
    Balancing school, family, benefits navigation, addressing 
service-connected disabilities, and finding a new identity 
outside the uniform was far more difficult than expected, 
especially during the isolation and disruption of COVID. The 
Veterans Education and Transition Services Program at the 
University of Arizona became a lifeline for me. With their 
help, I found my footing and I soon joined the team as a VA 
work study myself, determined to help others find the same 
support that I have received.
    That commitment to peer support, community, and shared 
resilience is the heart of what we do. Thanks to that 
foundation, I earned a Bachelor's degree from the Eller College 
of Management.
    I then went on to complete a Master's degree from the 
School of Natural Resources and the Environment where I 
published work on National Environmental Policy Act and 
advocated for data-driven approaches to policy implementation.
    Shortly after graduation, an opportunity arose to lead the 
very program that supported my transition, and I applied and 
was honored to be selected as the Director of the vet center. 
It remains the most fulfilling work of my career.
    Today, I am proud to share that the University of Arizona 
was ranked number four best colleges for veterans in the Nation 
by Military Times. We support more than 6,000 military-
affiliated students, which is about 15 percent of our total 
student body, through a one-stop-shop model that serves 
veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reservists, and their 
dependents.
    Our vet center, working closely with military-connected 
benefits and certification centers, provides holistic support 
to student veterans and their families. Just a few examples 
include benefits navigation, disability accommodations, mental 
health resources, career readiness, peer mentorship, social 
connection, and community events. We are proud of the work we 
do but recognize that there is still much more we can do.
    I am grateful to represent this community today and to 
discuss legislation that directly impacts their futures. I 
welcome your questions and will do my best to provide clear, 
thoughtful insight based on both personal experience and 
professional service. Thank you for the time and this 
opportunity.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Blaze Smith Appears In The 
Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back. Sorry, still 
musical chairs over here. Okay, are we good? All right.
    Mr. Smith, your written statement will be entered into the 
record.
    Mr. Schwartzman, you are now recognized for 5 minutes to 
deliver your testimony.

                STATEMENT OF MATTHEW SCHWARTZMAN

    Mr. Schwartzman. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 
Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished 
members of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, on behalf of 
the Reserve Organization of America, the only national military 
organization that solely and exclusively supports the Reserve 
and National Guard, thank you for the opportunity to testify 
today on pending legislation.
    While ROA addresses many of these bills under consideration 
in a separate statement for the record submitted by ROA policy 
fellows Jake Fales and Hannah Miller, my testimony focuses on 
what ROA views as the most consequential proposal, H.R. 3387, 
the Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember's Experience Act, 
or ETS Act, for short.
    Mr. Chairman, ROA commends your focus on strengthening the 
Transition Assistance Program for all servicemembers and their 
families, including those in the Reserve components (RC). The 
importance of TAP cannot be overstated.
    Studies consistently show that servicemembers and veterans 
who fully engage with TAP report higher satisfaction across key 
areas of civilian life. When TAP works, it works. If we get it 
right we can reduce long-term reliance on other costly VA 
programs.
    When it falls short, and there are times when it does fall 
short, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. This 
is especially true for our Nation's citizen warriors who 
navigate military to civilian transitions repeatedly throughout 
their careers. Whether coming off active duty orders, returning 
to civilian employment, navigating benefits across duty 
statuses, or spending decades in the gray area awaiting 
retirement benefits, each stage presents its own unique set of 
challenges.
    Despite this, TAP remains largely built around a single end 
of career transition designed primarily with the active duty 
force in mind. You do not have to take my word for it.
    ROA recently heard from a Marine Corps reservist reflecting 
on their TAP experience after returning from a deployment to 
Afghanistan. They shared, and I quote, ``The instructors had 
zero understanding of the Reserve components. When I asked if 
there was any material focused on the RC, I got a blank 
stare.''
    Anecdotes like this highlight why the ETS Act is so vital. 
It modernizes the Transition Assistance Program to reflect the 
realities of today's all-volunteer force and prepares it to 
meet the evolving needs of tomorrow's warfighters. Most 
importantly, it acknowledges that transition is not a one-size-
fits-all experience.
    ROA thanks Chairman Van Orden for sponsoring this 
legislation and strongly supports key provisions that establish 
a tailored TAP track for Reserve component members, provide 
flexibility for reservists to waive requirements when 
appropriate, authorize repeat participation in TAP pre-
separation counseling, fully integrate spouses into the 
transition process, align TAP more closely with VA Solid Start 
Program, and create a centralized online hub for transition-
related resources.
    We also support the intent behind additional provisions, 
such as enhanced one-on-one financial counseling and stronger 
departmental oversight of third-party TAP contractors. To 
further strengthen these and other provisions, ROA has 
submitted a series of constructive recommendations and looks 
forward to working collaboratively with the subcommittee to 
advance this legislation.
    ROA also supports additional legislation on today's docket 
related to the post-911 GI Bill, including the Gold Star Family 
Education Parity Act and Veteran Education Assistance 
Adjustment Act.
    That said, I want to be absolutely clear. ROA's highest 
education priority remains the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity 
Act. Too many reservists serve under duty statuses that fail to 
qualify for full GI bill benefits, even when those duties are 
essential to our national security. That must change, and it 
must change quickly.
    To this end, I respectfully ask the subcommittee to review 
the addendum submitted with my written testimony, an earlier 
statement to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee by ROA 
policy fellows Jake Fales and Peter Donlan, which outlines 
ROA's full case of support for GI Bill parity.
    Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for inviting ROA to testify 
today. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Matthew Schwartzman Appears In 
The Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back. The written 
statement of Mr. Schwartzman will be entered into the record.
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann, you are now recognized for 5 minutes 
to deliver your testimony.

             STATEMENT OF ASHLYNNE HAYCOCK-LOHMANN

    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member 
Pappas, and distinguished committee members, the Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors is grateful for the 
opportunity to testify today on behalf of the more than 120,000 
surviving families TAPS is honored to serve. TAPS strongly 
supports H.R. 2720, the Gold Star Family Educational Parity 
Act, which would sunset Chapter 35 education benefits and move 
all qualified recipients to the Fry Scholarship. We thank 
Representative Tim Kennedy for introducing this life-changing 
legislation earlier this year.
    The Fry Scholarship is one of the most important benefits 
we provide our surviving families because it allows surviving 
spouses a chance to retrain after the loss of their significant 
other and surviving children the opportunity to pursue their 
dreams with little to no debt.
    As the surviving daughter of Army Sergeant First Class 
Jeffrey Haycock, who died in the line of duty on April 12th, 
2002, I personally benefited from the Fry Scholarship. It made 
it possible for me to attend American University because it 
covered most of my tuition and housing.
    I only qualified because my dad died on active duty post-9/
11. Other kids who I grew up with in the TAPS' Good Grief Camp 
were not as fortunate.
    Kids like Garrett Schmidt, whose father died in an aviation 
accident in 1992, but because his dad died pre-9/11 he was only 
eligible for Chapter 35 education benefits. Our losses were 
very similar but our benefits are completely different, solely 
because of the date our fathers died.
    Chapter 35 is an archaic benefit from the 1950's that has 
barely been increased and has no tuition assistance. The flat 
rate of just over $1,500 per month does not go far in today's 
educational system.
    Sunsetting Chapter 35 and expanding eligibility for the Fry 
scholarship would acknowledge that surviving spouses and 
children, whose loved ones died as a result of military 
service, all deserve equitable access to education benefits.
    Additionally, sunsetting Chapter 35 would help streamline 
processes at the VA. Most Chapter 35 claims are processed using 
Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), which is a barely 
used Information Technology (IT) system anymore. Instead of 
consistently bandaiding a broken system, let us fix the root of 
the problem.
    Moving all beneficiaries to the Fry Scholarship would 
streamline IT and be more efficient for VA.
    TAPS will support the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career 
Services Act if it is amended to include all surviving spouses 
who receive dependency and indemnity compensation. Our 
nonactive duty surviving spouses would benefit just as much 
from access to the disabled veterans outreach program at the 
Department of Labor.
    TAPS supports the Veterans Educational Assistance 
Adjustment Act, which would increase the annual book stipend 
under the post-911 GI bill, as long as this increase also 
includes the Fry Scholarship.
    Since the enactment of the post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008, it 
has never been increased and tying it to Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment (COLA) will help ensure that this significant 
benefit keeps pace with inflation. Last, we would be remiss if 
we did not highlight our strong opposition to the Expanding 
Access for Online Veteran Students Act. By increasing the 
monthly housing allowance for online students you would be 
penalizing students in rural and low cost of living 
communities. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. Not a 
single school in the State of Oklahoma has an MHA at or above 
the national average.
    The same goes for states like Iowa and Montana and 73 
percent of schools in Wisconsin. Increasing the online MHA to 
the national average would penalize every single student 
veteran in those states. It would also discourage them from 
attending programs that have amazing student veteran programs 
and would open the door for bad actors who are looking to prey 
on students with GI Bill benefits.
    This is not a new issue. We have seen this predatory 
behavior in the past, and this would incentivize those schools 
to do so again. There are fantastic programs that are fully 
online, such as the University of Southern California's online 
program in Military Social Work, but students can attend while 
living in rural Alabama and not incur the high cost of living 
and commuter costs associated with in-person attendance.
    While the intent of this legislation to provide greater 
support for those enrolled in online education is commendable, 
we urge the committee to consider the broader consequences of 
this proposal.
    On behalf of our surviving families, TAPS appreciates the 
opportunity to testify today, and I look forward to your 
questions.

    [The Prepared Statement Of Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann Appears 
In The Appendix]

    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlelady yields back. Ms. Haycock-
Lohmann's written testimony will be entered into the record.
    I now recognize Mr. Hamadeh for 5 minutes for his 
questions.
    Mr. Hamadeh. Thank you, Chairman, and thank you everybody 
for being here today as well.
    Mr. Smith, I appreciate your bolo tie. I think everybody 
knows you are from Arizona with tie. I do not think I could 
wear that here in Congress, I do not think it would turn out 
too well though.
    Mr. Smith, in your testimony you mentioned your support for 
the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, stating 
that, ``the current VA policy creates an inequity of penalizing 
students who take classes online.'' Could you elaborate on this 
and talk about your own experience pursuing online education?
    Mr. Smith. Yes, sir, thank you. You could pull off a bolo 
tie, no problem. Yes. When I was in my Bachelor's program I 
ended up going online for the second half of my business 
administration degree.
    The first semester that I was on that online program, we as 
a family, my wife and two children, suffered some pretty major 
cuts to what our finances could--or what we could cover, right, 
because we were only getting 50 percent of what the GI Bill 
offers. Because of that, it was a tight semester.
    Right after that and maybe the only time, we will say 
thankfully when we talk about COVID, is there was a period of 
they repealed that issue for the COVID problem. When that 
happened we were able to sustain the full family under the full 
benefit.
    The reality of the situation is that no matter where you 
are going to school or what your modality is, that you still 
have expenses. Often these families depend on that as a 
paycheck to support an entire family.
    Mr. Hamadeh. Mr. Smith, in your testimony you mentioned 
some key data points that could help veterans going through the 
VR&E program find meaningful employment, including tracking job 
retention, veteran satisfaction scores, cost per outcome and 
long-term wage growth, and more. Could you elaborate on how you 
gathered all of these facts and how they could improve the 
program?
    Mr. Smith. Yes, sir. I was just, kind of, coming up with a 
couple of possible ideas that might support better 
understanding of the VR&E program and I felt that they, kind 
of, captured one of the most important aspects of this, which 
is how great is the employment they are getting?
    After their degrees are done are they getting jobs in the 
career fields that they want to be in? Are they seeing the 
results that they needed to see from the program, and is VR&E 
successfully facilitating those handoffs into those careers 
that they wanted to be in in the first place?
    Mr. Hamadeh. In your testimony you mentioned the need for 
an increase in book stipend. How much do you think the book 
stipend should be increased to account for inflationary costs?
    Mr. Smith. I am not sure exactly. I am not too great with 
numbers as I should--as my Eller degree should say it is, but 
the recommendation of $1,400 it sounds like it keeps up with 
the 2025 inflation rate and would probably be very helpful with 
regards to supporting all of the expenses of books and things 
that are not covered by tuition and fees.
    Mr. Hamadeh. That would cover at the University of Arizona 
a lot of the veterans who are going there?
    Mr. Smith. Absolutely, sir, yes. That would cover 
everything they needed.
    Mr. Hamadeh. Okay, very good. You are doing great work the 
University of Arizona I know. That is my graduate school alma 
mater and also where I joined the military and the Reserve 
Officers' Training Corp (ROTC) program, so I have a lot of ties 
to it.
    With that, Chairman, I yield back. Thank you.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentleman yields back.
    The chair now recognizes Ms. Ramirez for 5 minutes.
    Ms. Ramirez. Thank you, Chairman.
    Let me start by saying that while the National Guard is in 
the news this week, I think it is fitting we talk about the 
unique challenges faced by the National Guard members when it 
comes to receiving their benefits in the same way that active 
duty members do. That challenge seems to me is an abuse and it 
is our responsibility to rectify it.
    Before I go into that a little more in detail, I do want to 
point out another thing that I think is abuse. The National 
Guard's recent deployment in LA by Trump's unilateral decision 
is also an abuse, an overreach of power, one that I, frankly, 
believe is Congress' responsibility, our responsibility to 
rectify.
    The National Guard's mission is to support both State and 
Federal operations, including disaster response and military 
readiness. When they are deployed consistent with that mission, 
which again, I would point out they are not in LA, they should 
be properly credited for their time and service and earn 
benefits at the same rate as their active duty counterparts do.
    Yet, national guardsmen, active duty, order cap means that 
they are unable to be credited and get the benefits they 
rightfully earned.
    This question is for you, Mr. Schwartzman. Did I get it 
right? Oh, good, good. Can you please share the significance of 
capping active duty orders at 179 days?
    Mr. Schwartzman. Well, thank you very much for the 
question. In the context of the Transition Assistance Program, 
for example, current law requires that servicemembers serve at 
least 180 consecutive days on active duty to qualify for the 
benefit. It is the case, you know, not just for benefits 
eligibility on the VA side but also within DoD as well that one 
looks at the amount of time spent on active duty orders.
    For example, if a reservist is on orders for 180 days or 
more they qualify for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). What 
we see quite often, frankly, DoD will cut orders with the goal 
of achieving cost savings.
    Our recommendation, for example, is to amend the 
eligibility criteria for participation in TAP from its current 
structure to 180 cumulative days of active service, which would 
also include time spent on drill weekends and mandatory 
training, which is also another restriction under Title 10, 
Section 1142.
    Ms. Ramirez. Got it. Thank you. I appreciate that response.
    I want to shift gears a bit because I have just a little 
bit, less than half the time left here. I want to talk about 
another aspect of veteran benefits that is really important for 
me, and that is making sure that veterans have the ability to 
make an informed decision about their education and have as 
many options available as possible without sacrificing quality 
or accessibility.
    I want to be clear that one of the main priorities for me 
as a member of this committee has been to ensure that student 
veterans are not defrauded by institutions of higher education, 
and that continues to be my priority. That is why I have a bill 
on that.
    Institutions like the University of Arizona have 
demonstrated that their online programs can be high quality and 
community-centered when implemented thoughtfully and executed 
carefully.
    Mr. Smith, this question is for you. The University of 
Arizona offers many degree programs online. How does it ensure 
quality and build community for online students?
    Mr. Smith. Thank you. I think one of the major ways in 
which the University of Arizona online supports making sure 
that we are delivering quality is having active research. We 
are an R1 school so everything we are doing is research-
oriented in the first place.
    We are also surveying. We are making sure that we are 
taking the time to have these communities spaces where they can 
feel like they are supported, despite maybe not being in 
person.
    Having smaller, more intimate course sizes as well, which 
supports tailoring programs and paying attention to the 
individual as opposed to--yes, thank you.
    Ms. Ramirez. Thank you. No, thank you, Mr. Smith. A quick 
follow-up question to that, what percentage of the online 
students are veterans pursuing degrees full-time?
    Mr. Smith. I am going to take a stab at it. I think it is 
just about 20 percent online, so we are at I think 7,000 online 
students that are military-affiliated.
    Ms. Ramirez. Can you verify after? If you can send me----
    Mr. Smith. Absolutely.
    Ms. Ramirez [continuing]. the exact estimate that would be 
great.
    Look, many student veterans are enrolling in online 
programs and I know that some veterans find that online 
education is the option that works best for them. It is just 
easier. It is more flexible and allows them to also work as 
needed.
    Because that may be the most accessible way to pursue their 
education or most aligned to veteran preference, I just want to 
make sure that I say that we also have to continue to provide 
careful oversight of online programs and the education 
institutions that provide them.
    I think it is really important to note, as my 3 seconds are 
left, that access should not come at the expense of quality, 
and I want to continue to follow up on that.
    With that, Chairman, I yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlelady yields back.
    The chair now recognizes Dr. Dexter for 5 minutes.
    Ms. Dexter. Thank you so much, Chair Van Orden, for holding 
this hearing and for the opportunity to speak for my bill, the 
discussion draft of the Every Veteran Housed Act. I appreciate 
and share your commitment to tackling veteran homelessness and 
hope to work together on this issue.
    In Oregon and across the country, preventing and ending 
veteran homelessness is a top priority. Our communities believe 
that honoring service means ensuring every veteran has a safe 
place to call home.
    That is why I am proud to have introduced Every Veteran 
Housed, the Act, which removes barriers and streamlines 
eligibility standards across VA homelessness programs, making 
it easier for veterans experiencing homelessness to access the 
full range of support they have earned.
    It also expands access to include all who served, whether 
active duty or in the National Guard or the Reserve, ensuring 
no veteran is left behind when it comes to critical VA housing 
resources.
    I am very grateful to our witnesses for their support for 
this legislation, and so I am just going to have a couple of 
questions.
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann, can you speak to the existing gaps in 
the veteran homelessness system and why it is so critical that 
this bill reaches those who have historically been left behind?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. Sure. At TAPS the number one reason we 
are seeing new survivors coming to us, it alternates between 
one and two, is suicide. The largest number of veterans we are 
seeing pass away or either illness loss or suicide.
    We know that the lack of support for mental health programs 
has led to some of this, but also ensuring that our veterans 
have, you know, a roof over their head, that they are 
supported, that they have a home to go home to, we think that 
these would help reduce suicide loss in the veteran space but 
also ensuring that all veterans have access to those programs.
    Not all veterans who die by suicide died honorably living 
at home with all of these things. We see a large correlation 
between mental health and suicide and homelessness.
    Ms. Dexter. Yes. Thank you so much. I just, so folks are 
aware, there is over a 100 percent increase in risk for suicide 
for a veteran who is unhoused versus housed, so it is 
incredibly important.
    Mr. Petrie, do you believe this bill is necessary to ensure 
that every veteran is housed?
    Mr. Petrie. Thank you for the question, Congresswoman. The 
American Legion does believe that this bill will ensure that as 
many veterans as possible can be housed and find transitional 
housing to transition into a regular housing situation 
afterwards.
    Ms. Dexter. Thank you.
    Finally, Mr. Schwartzman, can you speak to the importance 
of the parity this bill provides for the veterans of the 
National Guards and Reserve--National Guard and Reserve?
    Mr. Schwartzman. Absolutely with pleasure. Well, first of 
all, thank you for your sponsorship of this legislation and 
your leadership. We appreciate it very much and we do strongly 
support the bill.
    Reserve and National Guard members, as I allude to in my 
testimony, are often left behind when it comes to VA benefits. 
I will use the VA Home Loan Program for example, given the 
statistic you used, where in order to receive the VA Home Loan 
Program you have to have a DD Form 214. Many members of the 
Reserve and National Guard actually may not end up receiving 
that form.
    Now, there are initiatives under way, such as the DD Form 
214-1, which may help Reserve members overcome that eligibility 
challenge, but I would note that what your legislation does is 
it broadens that definition of the word veteran to be more 
inclusive of all servicemembers, particularly those in the 
Reserve and National Guard.
    Ms. Dexter. Great. Thank you so much. I very much 
appreciate the panel, your advocacy for our veterans, and your 
support. Look forward to working with everyone to get this bill 
passed and ensure that no veteran is left behind when it comes 
to critical VA resources for housing.
    Thank you, Mr. Chair. I yield back.
    Mr. Van Orden. The gentlelady yields back. In accordance 
with committee rule 5 (e), I ask unanimous consent that 
Representative Dexter from the great State of Oregon be 
permitted to participate in today's subcommittee hearing. 
Without objection, so ordered. Thank you, ma'am.
    I now recognize myself for 5 minutes. Mr. Petrie, can you 
just briefly tell us what would the difference, if we increase 
the age, you know, what would that difference make for our 
veterans?
    Mr. Petrie. With regard to the----
    Mr. Van Orden. Full-time online. Full-time online students 
get half of the national average.
    Mr. Petrie. Yes, sir.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. What would the difference be? If we 
look at it from $1,018 compared to $2,237?
    Mr. Petrie. Yes, Chairman, and thank you for your question. 
The financial change has a wide array of things that can happen 
for veterans, including financial stability, better housing 
options for themselves and their families, and the ability to 
sustain while going to school if the book stipend does not 
cover enough supplies for them while in school.
    It covers a wide array of options, and we think it is a 
very positive change.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. Before I got elected to Congress, 
Sarah Jane and I, that is my wife, we were living on my 
enlisted retirement. I will tell you right now, another 1,000 
bucks a month while I was going to school on an enlisted man's, 
you know, VA retirement would be game-changing.
    I know a lot of people would sit up here and they are out 
there and they make a lot of money. To them 1,000 bucks is 
lunch, you know? Not where we come from, right? Is that--were 
you a Marine?
    Mr. Petrie. Yes, sir.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. You have got a Marine and a Navy guy. 
We do not have an Army guy
    Schwartzman, what about you, nothing?
    Mr. Schwartzman. No former military.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. Let us work on that. You are still 
young, sir.
    Ms. Ashlynne, or excuse me, Ms. Haycock-Lohmann, last year 
your organization received $500,000 in unrestricted funds from 
TikTok. That is $500,000 in free advertising. Were you aware 
that ByteDance is owned by the Chinese Communist Party when you 
receive that money?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. Yes. We are aware that TikTok is owned 
by ByteDance.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. You are aware that your organization 
took $500,000 in unrestricted funds and $500,000 in free 
advertising from the Chinese Communist Party?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. We are aware that we took $500,000 
from TikTok.
    Mr. Van Orden. Were you aware on April 24th, 2024 H.R. 7520 
was passed, the Protecting Americans from Foreign adversary 
controlled applications act? Are you aware that that passed?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. Yes.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. Then so in November-November 11th, 
2024, you took essentially a million dollars from an 
organization that Congress said should not have any business 
dealing with anybody. Is that correct?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. We took the money and that money is 
unrestricted. There were no strings attached to it, and they do 
not have access to any of our information, but that money has 
gone to help our programs for veterans.
    Mr. Van Orden. All right. Ma'am, the reason that we passed 
that is because that is--what you just said is patently false. 
That is not accurate. The 120,000 folks that you have helped 
over the years, all of their personal data has been directly 
compromised to the Chinese Communist Party. What did you use 
the $500,000 unrestricted dollars that you got from the Chinese 
Communist Party? Where did you apply those funds?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. One minute, sir. I was not involved in 
the conversations for doing so, but it has gone toward our Good 
Grief Camp and for programs to support our surviving children 
primarily.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. Are you aware that there is a ton of 
other organizations that took money from the Chinese Communist 
Party through TikTok, and all of them but you gave it back.
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. That is not correct.
    Mr. Van Orden. Excuse me, that is not correct. Which one 
did not? Great. Our Wounded Warrior Project and the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) have given the money 
back. Okay. Why have you guys not?
    Ms. Haycock-Lohmann. That is a decision above my pay grade.
    Mr. Van Orden. Okay. I have just got to tell you, I 
understand the work that you are doing. I appreciate it. 
Sometimes we have to take the longer look at these things. 
Understand that the Chinese Communist Party is not our friends 
and that many of us who have served in active duty or on active 
duty status are putting our lives at risk trying to counter 
what the Chinese Communist Party is doing.
    I do not know if the good that you are doing, and your 
organization is doing good things, I do not know if that 
outweighs the fact that you are being funded by our greatest 
geopolitical adversary. I would encourage you very, very 
strongly to speak to your leadership and clear your books of 
that money.
    With that, my time has expired. I would like to yield to 
Representative Ramirez for any closing statements she may have.
    Okay. Hey, I want to thank both panels for coming here. 
There is more work to do. We will be holding the Veterans 
Affairs Administration accountable. We are going to be holding 
them accountable regardless of what administration is in place. 
That is because we are not beholden to the VA. We are beholden 
to the veteran.
    There are people at the VA that have been there for a long 
time that seem to have forgotten that the VA is not about their 
job and it is not a jobs program. The Veterans Affairs 
Administration is going to make a jobs program for veterans, 
not from bureaucrats.
    I know that Ms. Ramirez and I, we in a very bipartisan way 
are hyper-focused on making sure that the people that have 
given us our freedom get every single benefit that they have 
earned.
    With that, this committee stands adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 11:41 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]
    
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                         A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X

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                    Prepared Statements of Witnesses

                              ----------                              


                    Prepared Statement of Liz Clark

    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished 
members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss 
the legislative proposals presented by the Subcommittee, the Transition 
Assistance Program (TAP) and the collaborative relationship between the 
Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 
the Department of Labor (DOL), and our other Federal agency partners.
    DoD and our partners are working closely to improve the 
effectiveness, quality, timeliness, and efficiency of the delivery of 
military-to-civilian transition support and services, while enhancing 
interoperability and efficiency in our joint operations. We advance 
these goals primarily through the Joint Executive Committee (JEC), a 
VA-DoD interagency collaborative body co-chaired by the VA Deputy 
Secretary and the DoD Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, and 
the JEC's subordinate Transition Executive Committee (TEC). As a result 
of the JEC and TEC, we moved past the historically bifurcated view that 
DoD's role ends when the Service member separates from military 
service, to embrace a new appreciation of overlapping interests and 
dependent responsibilities across the Service member and Veteran 
journey.

Joint Framework for Transition Success

    The JEC is responsible for oversight and implementation of the 
Military to Civilian Readiness (M2C Ready) framework, which brings all 
interagency programs under one overarching umbrella, ensuring that 
transitioning Service members receive the necessary interconnected 
resources and support throughout the critical 365-days pre-to 365-days 
post-separation. The TEC, co-chaired by DoD, VA, and DOL, includes the 
Departments of Education and Homeland Security, the Small Business 
Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Military 
Departments. The TEC is supported by tiered interagency collaborative 
groups that include a senior transition steering group, an overarching 
transition working group, a DoD/Military Departments transition 
coordinating council, and six standing focus area working groups 
(Employment, Performance Management, Curriculum, Integrated Reserve 
Components, Data Sharing/Information Technology, and Strategic 
Communications). In November 2024, the TEC established a subordinate 
interagency Mental Health Task Force to identify TEC inter-agency and 
intra-agency mental health touchpoints, resources, and tools; and 
assess information or data sharing connectivity and/or gaps across the 
full transition continuum. The desired outcome is synchronizing and 
closing the gap between clinical and non-clinical mental health support 
and services.
    The JEC and TEC partnerships are best-in-class examples of 
effective Federal interagency collaboration and service delivery, 
providing leadership synergy and subject matter expertise that 
prioritizes our joint strategic goals, identifies challenges, and 
guides solutions to ensure continuous, meaningful improvement in TAP. 
The JEC and TEC support DoD's mission by ensuring readiness of our 
force; this includes preparing Services members and their families for 
transition. Over the last 7 years, DoD and our interagency partners 
have hosted numerous Military to Civilian Transition Summits that 
yielded two key outcomes: (1) we aligned disparate DoD and interagency 
transition activities into one overarching transition framework, and 
(2) we designated the year before and year after separation as the 
``critical transition period.'' These summits led to the development of 
the Military to Civilian Readiness (M2C Ready) Framework.
    Under the auspices of the JEC and TEC, the Departments began 
implementation of a more interconnected and efficient transition 
process that aligns military-to-civilian transition activities along a 
continuum during the critical 365 days before separation and extending 
through the critical 365 days after separation. This 365-pre and 365-
post transition time provides for comprehensive, standardized, and 
individualized assessments across DoD, VA, and the military services; 
and reinforces development of an individualized transition plan 
according to a Service member's unique circumstances.
    As the new administration sets its priorities, there is a renewed 
commitment to working with our joint partners to establish new, bold, 
and transformative initiatives in transition support. The focus will be 
on creating a seamless continuum of care and assistance, leveraging 
data-driven insights, and strengthening partnerships to address 
emerging challenges. This collaborative vision will ensure that Service 
members, veterans, and their families receive holistic and adaptive 
support as they transition into civilian life. Through the JEC's 
stewardship of M2C Ready, and the TEC's collaborative forums, these 
priorities will drive forward-looking policies that enhance the long-
term success of the transitioning military community.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

    DoD is committed to supporting our Warfighters and their families 
as they complete their active military service and navigate the 
transition from military to civilian life. TAP is the foundation of 
that support, setting the conditions for successful transition by 
providing approximately 200,000 Service members each year with a common 
level of support--regardless of location, Service, or component--at 
over 200 locations around the globe. TAP is proactive in championing 
and implementing change; is markedly different and exponentially more 
effective than the program of 10, 5, or even 3 years ago; and provides 
Service members more comprehensive transition preparation, information, 
support, and services than at any time during our Nation's history.
    TAP is first and foremost a Military Departments' Secretary and 
Commander program executed while Service members are on active duty. 
TAP is a statutorily mandated program that Service members are required 
to attend upon meeting eligibility requirements. To be eligible, and 
thereby required to attend TAP, Service members must have completed 180 
days or more of continuous active duty in Title 10 active-duty status, 
to include Reserve Component members on active-duty orders. In the case 
of an anticipated retirement, pre-separation counseling must commence 
as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding the 
anticipated retirement date. In the case of a separation other than a 
retirement, pre-separation counseling must commence not later than 365 
days before the anticipated date. If a retirement or other separation 
is unanticipated with less than 365 before the anticipated retirement 
or separation date, or in the event a member of a reserve component is 
demobilized or deactivated when, as determined by the Secretary 
concerned, operational requirements make the 365-day requirement 
unfeasible, pre-separation counseling must begin as soon as possible 
within the remaining period of service.
    The Secretaries and Commanders are committed to supporting TAP as 
both a Service member support program and a strategic readiness 
program. DoD supports the Secretaries and Commanders by leading 
collaborative interagency development and delivery of TAP. This design 
ensures fully informed prioritization and preservation of national 
defense strategic, operational, and tactical priorities governing 
active duty Service member requirements balanced with effective and 
timely TAP delivery supporting individual transition goals. The results 
directly support and enhance readiness, transition, recruiting, 
retention, reserve component affiliation, and sustainment of the All-
Volunteer Force.
    The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2019 transformed TAP from a one-size fits all program to an 
individualized approach providing comprehensive, holistic, timely 
transition support focused on the Service member's needs and transition 
goals. Groups or cohorts transition on common timelines, but military-
to-civilian transition is an individual activity. The unique personal 
circumstances, experiences, needs, and post-transition goals of each 
Service member determine whether that Service member requires 
employment, education, entrepreneurial, financial, housing, healthcare, 
or peer-to-peer support during their transition.
    Today, TAP is agile and dynamic, and ensures both flexibility and 
relevance supporting Service member achievement of individual 
transition goals. Tailoring of the transition process to individual 
needs and goals provides flexibility. Service members receive 
information and resources that best support their individualized 
preparation for transition. Relevance, predicated on preparation for 
civilian life, ensures Service members' buy-in and active 
participation. Flexibility, relevance, and individualization ensure TAP 
works and empowers transitioning Service members to become successful 
veterans who attain their goals and reach their potential in their 
chosen civilian career paths, and in so doing, strengthens their local 
communities and the Nation.
    Today's TAP is an individualized, robust program with alternate 
pathways and multiple levels of assistance. At each step of the 
process, Service members have access to trained counselors who guide 
the Service member and tailor the program, allowing Service members to 
be in control of their transition and use programs, resources, and 
information that fit their specific needs and align with their post-
transition goals.

TAP Initial Counseling

    For Service members with an anticipated retirement or separation, 
the TAP journey begins with an Initial Counseling (IC) session 
initiated no later than 365 days prior to their separation or 
retirement. DoD strongly encourages Service members with an anticipated 
retirement to initiate IC as soon as possible during the 24 months 
preceding retirement. Service members with an unanticipated separation 
or retirement initiate IC as soon as possible within their remaining 
period of service.
    In 2022, the Military Departments developed Corrective Action Plans 
(CAP) to improve IC timeliness. The CAPs have already produced marked 
improvement with 65 percent of Service members meeting IC timeliness 
requirements in 2023, including 52 percent of those with anticipated 
separations or retirements beginning TAP no later than 365 days prior 
to separation or retirement. The CAPs include updates to internal 
Service administrative regulations and changes to the Inspector General 
checklist to provide for stricter grading criteria on timeliness. CAPs 
also include marketing to Service members to ensure understanding, 
training for commanders and senior leaders on the requirement as well 
as the benefits of attending TAP early, and additional training for TAP 
counselors. The full impact of implementing the CAP changes will not be 
manifested in the data until 2026 at the earliest.
    During the individualized counseling session with a trained TAP 
counselor, the Service member completes an Individual Self-Assessment 
and begins development of an Individual Transition Plan (ITP). Based on 
the self-assessment, counseling, and ITP, the TAP counselor assigns the 
Service member to a transition tier level. The assigned tier level--one 
(minimal assistance), two (medium assistance), or three (most 
assistance)--determines the transition assistance a Service member 
needs. Each individual Service member's tier assignment details which 
TAP components, courses, 2-day tracks, and Career Readiness Standards 
are mandatory.

TAP Pre-Separation Brief

    Once the IC and assessment are complete, the Service member attends 
the Pre-Separation Brief (Pre-Sep). Pre-Sep informs the Service member 
of various services, benefits, and resources available during and after 
transition. The Pre-Sep also familiarizes the Service member with 
available resources and content within the TAP courses. Pre-Sep 
provides the Service member with the knowledge and flexibility to 
determine when to use services based on their individual needs and 
transition timeline. October 2024 updates to Pre-Sep included addition 
of information on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition 
Service programs and an interactive pdf resource guide.

TAP Courses and Tracks

    During TAP, Service members complete five core courses: Managing 
Your Transition, Military Occupational Code Crosswalk, Financial 
Planning for Transition, VA Benefits and Services, and DOL Employment 
Fundamentals for Career Transition. In 2024, the VA Benefits and 
Services course incorporated participation by Veteran Service 
Organizations identified by the VA.
    Along with the core curriculum, TAP includes four 2-day workshops 
(tracks) to provide focused information and resources aligned with 
individual post-transition goals. The four tracks are Employment, 
Managing Your (MY) Education, Vocational (Career and Credential 
Exploration), and Entrepreneurship (Boots to Business). During initial 
counseling and regardless of their designated tier, Service members 
must elect a track based on individual post-transition goals and are 
encouraged to attend the track-specific course.
    Only Service members designated as Tier Level 3 are required to 
attend the elected track. In 2022, the Military Departments developed 
Corrective Action Plans (CAP) to increase Tier 3 track attendance. The 
CAPs have already produced marked improvement with 83 percent (29.8K of 
35.9K) of Tier 3 Service members attending a track in 2023. The CAPs 
include training for TAP counselors; reports for commanders identifying 
Service members who had attended and those who need to attend a track; 
and inclusion of track attendance in Inspector General checklists. The 
full impact of implementing the CAP changes will not be manifested in 
the data until 2026 at the earliest.
    Military Departments may exempt Service members designated as Tier 
Level 2 from track attendance based on the results of their IC and 
self-assessment. Service members determined as Tier Level 1 are exempt 
from track attendance. In 2023 over fifty thousand Tier 1 and Tier 2 
Service members attended a track (50.1K of 135K). Regardless of tier 
designation, DoD encourages every Service member to attend any or all 
the tracks in preparation for transition.

TAP Capstone

    Conducted no later than 90 days before transition from active duty, 
Capstone is the final component of TAP. During Capstone, the Commander, 
or Commander's designee, reviews the Service member's transition 
journey to determine completion of all applicable components and 
individual preparedness for transition. Service members identified as 
needing additional support require a warm handover by the Commander or 
designee. These warm handovers may include connection to Military 
OneSource for peer support, VA for housing assistance, or DOL for 
employment assistance. A warm handover creates a connection between the 
Service member and the appropriate partner or agency with the resources 
to assist in transition and beyond. Service members may also request a 
warm handover from the TAP counselor if they have a concern with their 
preparedness for transition beyond any identified by the TAP Counselor 
or Commander.

TAP Assessment

    DoD uses the Transition Assistance Participant Assessment (TAPA) to 
capture Service member experiences and knowledge gained throughout the 
TAP process. TAPA, along with assessments from both governmental and 
non-governmental entities, allows DoD to evaluate TAP, the perception 
of TAP, and the quality of the counseling and instruction provided. The 
TAPA also captures basic demographics, such as Service, component, 
grade, length of service, location, and sex. Participation in the TAPA 
is voluntary and anonymous. However, DoD encourages Service members to 
complete the TAPA after each TAP course to ensure continuous program 
improvement. 2023 TAPA results demonstrate that Service members 
perceived TAP as valuable and of high quality. 89 percent understand 
how to access post-transition resources; 87 percent plan to use what 
they've learned; and 86 percent feel prepared to meet their transition 
goals.
    TAPA also provides Service members the opportunity to self-identify 
barriers to TAP, with a 3-year average of only 1 percent of respondents 
perceiving a barrier (e.g., not allowed time away from work duties to 
attend TAP). While many operational, administrative, and individual 
factors contribute to this small percentage, DoD, Service Secretaries, 
and Commanders are focused on mitigating, reducing, and eliminating 
barriers.

Future TAP Enterprise Individual Self-Assessment

    In 2024, DoD completed a year-long pilot at 17 military 
installations of an Enterprise Individual Self-Assessment (EISA) to 
replace the current Individual Self-Assessment. EISA is a standardized, 
evidence-based self-assessment tool that will assist in determining the 
likelihood the Service member will face major readjustment, health 
care, employment, or other transition-related challenges across nine 
life domains: social & relational, resiliency, hope, financial, 
employment, housing, sense of belonging, mental health resource 
awareness, and physical health resource awareness. The Military 
Departments will administer EISA twice, during IC at the beginning and 
during Capstone at the end of TAP, to inform and improve counseling, 
risk mitigation, support connections, and warm handover protocols. DoD 
contracted development of a modernized transition and reintegration 
information technology capability that will support EISA worldwide 
implementation in 2026.

Comprehensive Transition Support Across DoD, VA, and DOL

SkillBridge

    The highly popular SkillBridge program permits interested Service 
members to gain valuable civilian employment skills by providing job 
training, including apprenticeship programs, with defense industrial 
base employers as well as Federal, State, local, and private sector 
employers. In return, these businesses have access to the world's most 
highly trained and motivated workforce and can evaluate participants' 
suitability for future employment within their company. The program is 
voluntary, with the scope and individual participation defined by 
Service operational needs, force structure policy, and Service member 
interest.
    In 2023, DoD realigned SkillBridge within the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs to 
improve program stability, governance, evaluation, and management. 
Those efforts include enhanced information systems, data collection, 
and data analysis. The DoD is conducting employer and stakeholder 
outreach engagements to ensure that the next evolution of SkillBridge 
is fully informed by DoD, Military Departments, Service member, and 
industry partner assessments and requirements.

inTransition

    The inTransition program is a free, confidential program that 
offers specialized assistance for active duty Service members, National 
Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to 
mental health care during transition periods, rather than when they 
return from a deployment, relocate to another assignment, or prepare to 
leave military service. This program provides critical warm hand-offs 
to VA, local resources, and the Military Crisis Line in support of the 
transitioning Service member.

Military OneSource

    For those who are newly separated from service, Military OneSource 
offers resources to ensure a successful transition period; those 
resources are available up to 365 days from the end of their service. 
The range of support includes non-medical counseling, peer-to-peer 
counseling, education and financial counseling, and support for 
spouses. VA's Post-9/11 Transition and Case Management program partners 
with Military OneSource to ensure transitioning Service members and new 
Veterans receive clinical care coordination.

VA Solid Start

    As a result of DoD, VA, and DOL's collaboration on M2C Ready, the 
VA's Solid Start program was launched in 2019. Solid Start contacts 
recently separated Service members at three critical points during the 
first year of transition (0-90, 91-180, and 181-365, days post release 
from active duty) in order to achieve early and consistent contact and 
support the transition to civilian life--from help getting a home loan, 
to health care, to returning to work, to mental health support. 
Additionally, DoD data provided to Solid Start assists VA in 
prioritizing outreach to recently separated Service members meeting 
certain risk factors during their last year of active duty, lowering 
the barrier to accessing care and supporting a successful transition to 
VA mental health care treatment. VA Solid Start refers Veterans with 
health care needs to the Post-9/11 Military2VA Case Management Program 
who ensure individualized, comprehensive health care coordination.

VA Liaison Program

    VA Liaisons are nurses and social workers who coordinate the 
transfer of health care from DoD to VA for service members as they exit 
the military. Forty-eight (48) VA Liaisons for Healthcare, 43 onsite 
and 5 regional, serving DoD installations and Military Treatment 
Facilities (MTFs) coordinate the transition of health care from MTFs 
worldwide to a VA health care facility. VA Liaisons collaborate with 
DoD care managers and treatment teams regarding VA resources, inform 
the service member of their VA health care eligibility and benefits, 
and facilitate registration into VA initial appointment scheduling.

VA Post-9/11 Transition and Case Management

    Every VA medical center has a specialized Post-9/11 Military2VA 
(M2VA) Case Management (CM) team ready to welcome service members as 
they transition from service to Veteran status. Post-9/11M2VA CM teams 
are subject matter experts at coordinating VA care, services, and 
benefits, as well as leveraging community resources to provide 
comprehensive, individualized case management services. The Post-9/11 
M2VA team assist service members, their families, and caregivers with 
navigating the VA health care system, providing education on available 
resources, facilitating care in the event of a relocation to another VA 
facility, and support with reaching community partners.

DOL Employment Navigator and Partnership Program (ENPP)

    In response to feedback from Veterans who stated that, while their 
TAP classroom experience was educational, they desired a more 
personalized approach, DOL developed, piloted, and implemented the 
ENPP. DOL Employment Navigators provide one-on-one, tailored career 
guidance and job seeking skills support to transitioning Service 
members and their spouses, as well as referrals to vetted partner 
organizations. ENPP is currently available at 46 military installations 
worldwide and is expanding.

States: An Integral Partner in Transition

    State Department of Veterans Affairs (SDVA) offices play a critical 
role in transition as they have been tasked to specifically manage 
Veterans' affairs on behalf of their Governor and carry out the 
responsibility for Veteran services and programs in their respective 
states or territories. Additionally, SDVA's welcome Veterans and 
connect them to Federal and State benefits, support, high-quality care, 
and recognition they have earned. The TAP curriculum includes 
introductory information and links to SDVAs for 54 states and 
territories and the District of Columbia.
    Recognizing the importance of data, in both outreach and connecting 
Veterans to services and resources, DoD updated our data-sharing 
Memoranda of Understanding with SDVAs. In addition to sharing DD Form 
214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from active duty data with 
SDVAs, Service members can also share contact information from the DoD 
Form 2648: PreSeparation Counseling Checklist with SDVAs up to a year 
prior to separation, providing SDVAs the ability to proactively engage 
with and support Service members' transition experience.

Conclusion

    As illustrated in our recent Report to Congress and highlighted in 
this statement, the Military Departments achieved significant 
improvements in IC timeliness and Tier 3 track attendance. 
Additionally, the number of Service members reporting a perceived 
barrier to TAP remains low, demonstrating Commanders' commitment, 
prioritization, and support of TAP and their transitioning Service 
members. DoD will work with the Military Departments to ensure 
continuous improvement across TAP and are confident that improvements 
evidenced in 2023 will continue and further validate the positive steps 
the Military Departments put into place.
    Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the Transition 
Assistance Program. Military to civilian transition is an ever-
evolving, complex, and multi-faceted environment in which the diversity 
of individual goals equals the number of transitioning Service members. 
TAP is and must remain adaptive while vigilantly maintaining 
programmatic focus on three foundational and complimentary tenets: 
effective counseling, Service member buy-in, and meaningful support 
connections throughout the transition period. Correspondingly, TAP will 
sustain emphasis on an individualized approach that best meets each 
Service member's post-transition goals. To that end, TAP will remain 
innovative, proactive, transparent, and collaborative. DoD, working 
closely with the Service members, Military Departments, interagency 
partners, and Congress, will continuously improve transition services 
while building upon current successes to achieve ever-improving 
outcomes for Service members through TAP.
    In closing, Mr. Chairman, I thank you, the Ranking Member, and the 
members of this Subcommittee for your outstanding and unwavering 
support of the men and women who proudly wear the uniform in defense of 
our great Nation.

                  Prepared Statement of Nick Pamperin
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                  Prepared Statement of Andrew Petrie
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                   Prepared Statement of Blaze Smith

    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and distinguished 
members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to appear 
before you today. As someone who works directly with student veterans, 
transitioning servicemembers, and military-connected families every 
day, I witness both the power of well-structured benefits--and the 
consequences when those systems fall short. I'm here not just as an 
administrator, but as a veteran who has navigated these transitions 
firsthand, and who now works to make the path clearer for those who 
come next.
    As the Director of the Veterans Education and Transition Services 
Center at the University of Arizona (UA), I share an earnest desire to 
care for our military members who have sacrificed so much on behalf of 
the American people. As such, I will do my utmost to provide useful 
feedback on the slate of legislative proposals under consideration 
today, and I appreciate the committee's efforts to review and improve 
these programs that impact servicemembers at critical moments in their 
path of separation from active duty.

The University of Arizona: Military Service and Support

    The University of Arizona, established in 1885 as Arizona's land-
grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862, has a longstanding 
commitment to serving military-affiliated students. This commitment is 
deeply rooted in our history and continues to be a cornerstone of our 
mission today.
    During World Wars I and II, UA played a pivotal role in training 
over 11,000 officers through its Navy and Army ROTC programs. These 
programs provided essential training in artillery tactics and aviation, 
contributing significantly to our Nation's defense efforts.
    Our campus honors this rich military heritage through several 
memorials, for example:

      Berger Memorial Fountain: Located in front of Old Main, 
this fountain was dedicated in 1920 by General John J. Pershing to 
commemorate the 13 UA students who lost their lives in World War I. 
Each of the fountain's 13 spouts represents one of these fallen 
students.

      USS Arizona Bell & Memorial: Housed in the Student Union 
Memorial Center, the 1,820-pound bell is one of two salvaged from the 
USS Arizona after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Below, the University has 
constructed a moving memorial: a 608-foot outline of the Arizona on the 
University Mall, with a bridge spanning its width. Along the bridge, 
the names of all 1,177 sailors and Marines killed aboard the Arizona 
are cast in bronze--a solemn and powerful tribute to their sacrifice.

    Today, the University of Arizona continues to support military-
affiliated students through comprehensive programs and services:

      Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) Center: 
Serving over 6,000 military-connected students, the VETS Center offers 
a one-stop-shop model providing resources such as benefit navigation, 
disability accommodations, mental health referrals, career readiness, 
peer mentorship, and community events.

      ROTC Programs: UA hosts all three ROTC branches--Army, 
Navy, and Air Force--continuing our tradition of preparing future 
military leaders in award-winning ROTC programs

      Military Connected Benefits and Certifications (MCBC): A 
dedicated branch of the Office of the Registrar, MCBC supports all 
students using VA and military education benefits. The team ensures 
timely processing and personalized guidance, helping students maximize 
their benefits and stay on track. UA also waives the undergraduate 
application fee for active-duty military and veterans, and proudly 
participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering additional tuition 
costs for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients.

    The University of Arizona also maintains partnerships with nearby 
military installations, including Fort Huachuca and Davis-Monthan Air 
Force Base, facilitating collaboration and support for service members 
pursuing higher education to include distance learning programs.
    This enduring commitment to our military community reflects the 
University of Arizona's dedication to honoring the past while 
empowering the future of our Nation's service members and their 
families.

H.R. XXXX, Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act

    This bill represents a critical step toward ensuring all veterans 
receive equitable housing support, regardless of how they pursue their 
education.
    Currently, Post-9/11 GI Bill students who are enrolled exclusively 
online receive only half the national average Monthly Housing Allowance 
(MHA) regardless of their actual location or cost of living. But cost 
of living is not virtual. Online students still pay rent, utilities, 
and living expenses in the same cities as in-person students. This 
policy creates inequity in benefit distribution and penalizes veterans 
for their educational format, not their financial need.
    It is important to recognize that a student's chosen institution 
might not represent the location in which they reside. For example, a 
student living in rural Oklahoma and enrolled in an online program 
based in New York would currently receive MHA based on the school's zip 
code, rather than the zip code of the veteran's physical residence. 
Aligning the MHA payment with the veteran's zip code would ensure a 
more accurate and equitable housing benefit while reducing the risk of 
waste or overpayment.
    For many veterans--especially those with disabilities, caregiving 
responsibilities, full-time jobs, or who live in rural or underserved 
areas--online learning is the only viable option. Reducing MHA for this 
group creates an unnecessary barrier, particularly for veterans who 
already face heightened risk of housing insecurity. Educating 
veterans--regardless of modality--is essential to workforce readiness 
and national competitiveness. When veterans can complete their degrees 
without struggling to meet basic housing needs, they are better 
positioned to transition into stable, well-paying jobs that benefit our 
economy and communities.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily authorized full 
MHA for online students, recognizing the very inequity this bill now 
seeks to fix.
    Since then, a growing number of accredited public and private 
universities now offer high-quality, fully online programs. The trend 
is accelerating, but Federal policy has yet to keep pace. Basing 
housing support on whether a veteran is enrolled for in-person 
instruction penalizes veterans who are embracing 21st-century learning 
models.
    Research is demonstrating that an online learning modality cannot 
only be comparable to an in-person learning environment, but in some 
cases, online students even outperform their in-person peers.

      A U.S. Department of Education meta-analysis found that 
students in online environments often perform as well or better than 
their in-person peers.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Chin, Ainee, et al. ``The Effectiveness of Online Learning in 
Higher Education: A Systematic Review During COVID-19.'' Frontiers in 
Education, vol. 8, 2023, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/
feduc.2023.1334153/full.

      A study published in Science Advances found that online 
STEM students outperformed classroom learners by 7 percent (Chirikov et 
al.).\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\ Chirikov, Igor, et al. ``Online Education Platforms Scale 
College STEM Instruction with Equivalent Learning Outcomes at Lower 
Cost.'' Science Advances, vol. 6, no. 15, Apr. 2020, https://
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aay5324.

      Medical students in e-learning formats have exceeded the 
performance of in-person cohorts on standardized tests (Mortagy et 
al.).\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\ Mortagy, Yasmine, et al. ``Online versus In-Person Learning in 
a Medical School Course: A Comparative Study.'' BMC Medical Education, 
vol. 23, no. 1, 2023, https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/
10.1186/s12909-023-04159-7.

    The Online Learning Journal links emotional connection and social 
presence online to stronger academic engagement and outcomes 
(Richardson et al.).\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\ Richardson, Jennifer C., et al. ``Social Presence in Online 
Learning: A Critical Review of the Literature.'' Online Learning 
Journal, vol. 21, no. 3, 2017, https://
olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/article/view/1211.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Online education offers both flexibility and community via group 
projects, study networks through virtual forums, and direct engagement 
with peers and instructors.

H.R. 3579, Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act

    This proposal introduces a procedural gate that delays the 
initiation of services until a complete application is submitted. This 
shift from the current directive may streamline internal processes and 
promote consistency in documentation, however, it also risks creating 
access barriers, particularly for veterans who are unfamiliar with VA 
procedures or who lack support during the application phase.
    To mitigate potential delays or drop-off, it is imperative that 
veterans receive clear, accessible guidance when submitting required 
information. The system must be user-friendly and support veterans in 
completing applications correctly the first time, avoiding unnecessary 
delays in benefit access.
    Furthermore, the proposal to reduce the benefit period defined 
under 38 U.S.C. Sec.  3117 to 365 days--making it consistent with other 
employment readiness programs--is reasonable and may help streamline 
counselor caseloads. However, it must be emphasized that streamlining 
alone will not address the systemic strain placed on VR&E staff.
    During a recent roundtable hosted by Department of Veterans Affairs 
Secretary Collins with representatives from the Southern Arizona VA 
Healthcare System, the VR&E Program Director, and student veterans from 
the University of Arizona, several key concerns emerged:

      Student veterans reported waiting months to hear back 
from a VR&E counselor.

      VR&E program leaders confirmed that counselor-to-veteran 
ratios are well above the recommended standard--some exceeding 200 
veterans per counselor.

      Staffing shortages were acknowledged as a top operational 
priority by VA leadership.

    While trimming program duration may modestly reduce counselor 
workload, it cannot replace the need for more counselors and expanded 
capacity. A robust and effective VR&E system requires sufficient human 
capital to ensure timely, personalized support for veterans navigating 
career transitions.
    In this capacity, student veterans have also expressed concerns 
about inconsistent decision-making within the VR&E program. For 
example, one veteran may receive approval for certain benefits, while 
another in a nearly identical situation may be denied. These 
discrepancies suggest a need for more standardized guidelines and 
consistent implementation of policies across the program.
    To ensure the long-term success and accountability of the VR&E 
program, the existing provisions for reporting regional office 
performance, wage outcomes, and counselor wait times are essential. 
However, to fully understand the impact of this critical program and 
drive continuous improvement, it is critical to also expand the data 
collection and reporting requirements to include several additional 
metrics.
    These data points will inform program performance and support 
veterans in achieving sustained, meaningful employment:

1. Employment Retention and Job Alignment

    Track whether veterans remain employed 12 and 24 months after 
completing the program, and whether those jobs align with their field 
of training. This gives a more complete picture of long-term program 
success.

2. Credential and Degree Completion Rates

    Include the percentage of VR&E participants who successfully 
complete degrees, certifications, or licenses as part of their 
rehabilitation plan. Completion is a key predictor of future 
employment.

3. Time to Plan Approval

    In addition to measuring wait times for initial counselor contact, 
it's important to report the average time from application to final 
plan approval. Delays at this stage often stall the entire process.

4. Drop-off and Administrative Closure Rates

    Monitor how many veterans disengage before completing the intake 
phase and categorize reasons for administrative case closures. This 
will help identify systemic access barriers.

5. Veteran Satisfaction Scores

    Collect and report feedback from participants regarding counseling 
services, clarity of communication, and perceived value of the program. 
This qualitative data adds important context to raw metrics.

6. Cost-Per-Outcome and Long-Term Wage Growth

    Report the average cost per veteran who achieves sustainable 
employment and include longer-term wage tracking. This demonstrates 
return on investment and justifies program funding.

    7. Utilization of Virtual Services

    As we expand telehealth and online education, it's vital to know 
how many veterans are accessing VR&E virtually. This helps assess reach 
and modern service delivery.
    Together, these expanded metrics will help ensure the VR&E program 
remains veteran-centric, outcomes-driven, and fully accountable to both 
taxpayers and the men and women it serves.

H.R. 3387, Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember's Experience Act

    This legislation takes significant steps to improve the Transition 
Assistance Program (TAP), including extending eligibility timelines, 
increasing counseling duration, strengthening interagency coordination, 
and expanding access for military spouses and members of the Reserve 
components. These are critical and welcome reforms that acknowledge the 
central role that TAP plays in preparing servicemembers for civilian 
success.
    While this act rightfully expands access to TAP, it is also 
important to prioritize its content, as the current program lacks 
relevant, comprehensive, and actionable information during a pivotal 
life transition. TAP must evolve beyond resume workshops. Today's 
servicemembers need:

      Robust guidance on VA benefits and services, especially 
in navigating complex systems like healthcare, disability compensation, 
and educational benefits;

      Exposure to programs like SkillBridge, which offer real-
world career training but are too often underexplained or unevenly 
implemented;

      Clear steps for pursuing higher education, including how 
to apply, transfer credits, and access academic accommodations; and

      And modern employment preparation that goes beyond basic 
resume-writing to include networking, interviewing, LinkedIn profiles, 
and career exploration.

    This bill lays an excellent foundation by mandating regular 
curriculum reviews and unannounced audits and expanding access to 
repeat counseling and spouse inclusion. This is also a great 
opportunity to continue data-driven analysis to ensure that the program 
remains both relevant and effective.
    It is important that TAP is robust enough to empower servicemembers 
not just to ``get a job,'' but to thrive through education, 
entrepreneurship, or service. That begins with equipping them with 
relevant, up-to-date tools and knowledge, delivered by subject-matter 
experts who understand the full spectrum of post-military 
opportunities.

HR 1965, Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act

    This bill is a much needed and timely adjustment that directly 
supports the academic success of student veterans by increasing the 
annual stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational 
costs under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    The current $1,000 annual stipend has remained unchanged while the 
cost of educational materials has steadily increased. Textbooks, lab 
equipment, software subscriptions, and specialized supplies--especially 
for STEM and technical programs--can far exceed that amount. Failure to 
keep pace with inflation erodes the value of the benefit veterans 
earned.
    For many student veterans, this stipend makes the difference 
between showing up prepared--or falling behind from day one. The 
proposed increase to $1,400, with an annual cost-of-living adjustment 
tied to the Consumer Price Index, ensures that benefits remain relevant 
and responsive to economic realities. This is a high-impact improvement 
that requires minimal structural change but delivers real value to 
veterans and reinforces our collective commitment to ensuring their 
success in higher education.

H.R. 2720, Gold Star Family Education Parity Act.

    This bill reflects a powerful and long-overdue step toward honoring 
the sacrifices of Gold Star families, especially surviving spouses and 
children, by expanding their access to critical educational benefits. 
By increasing the eligibility period and aligning benefits for 
surviving dependents with other education programs like the Fry 
Scholarship and DEA, this legislation recognizes that grief, healing, 
and transition don't follow strict timelines. It gives Gold Star family 
members the time, flexibility, and support they need to pursue degrees, 
credentials, and careers on their own terms.
    This bill is not only compassionate--it's cost-effective. By 
consolidating and aligning benefits under a more unified structure, the 
legislation may reduce administrative overhead and improve efficiency 
across education benefit programs.

H.R. 3481, Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025.

    This bill takes a much-needed step toward modernizing how veterans 
access and manage their educational benefits by enabling secure, opt-in 
electronic communication with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Paper-based systems are outdated, inefficient, and burdensome for both 
veterans and VA staff.
    This bill recognizes what we already know: digital access is 
essential to equity, speed, and clarity in benefit delivery. Allowing 
veterans to receive time-sensitive information about their education 
benefits via email or secure platforms gives them the ability to 
respond faster, stay better informed, and avoid costly delays.
    This bill helps the VA catch up to standard practice while still 
preserving the right for veterans to opt out if they prefer paper. It's 
a low-cost, high-impact improvement that will benefit students, 
administrators, and the system.

Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to limit the 
amount of time the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs may extend the period 
of a vocational rehabilitation program for a veteran.

    It is important to advance foundational issues along with advancing 
structural limitations on the length of rehabilitation plans. For 
example, as discussed in previous hearings and roundtables, many VR&E 
offices are operating far above the recommended counselor-to-veteran 
ratio, often exceeding 200:1. Until the program is fully staffed, 
limiting the duration of programming may risk pushing veterans out of 
the system prematurely--not because they're ready, but because 
counselors simply can't keep up.
    Additionally, before enacting time-based limitations, we should 
invest in data collection and performance analysis. We need to 
understand:

      How often extensions are used, and why.

      Which veteran populations benefit most from extended 
plans.

      Whether long-duration programs correlate with better or 
worse outcomes.

    Only then can informed decisions be made that truly balance 
efficiency with effectiveness. While program accountability is 
important, any shift in VR&E extension limits must be paired with 
measures to ensure proper staffing and data infrastructure.

Closing

    It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to testify 
before a subcommittee devoted to the care and success of our Nation's 
most cherished population--its veterans. I am humbled by the 
opportunity to contribute and proud to lend my voice to a body that 
does such meaningful and lasting work. Thank you for your commitment to 
building a system that serves veterans with fairness and foresight.

               Prepared Statement of Matthew Schwartzman
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

             Prepared Statement of Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                       Statements for the Record

                              ----------                              


 Prepared Statement of National Association of State Approving Agencies

Introduction

    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas and members of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, on behalf of the fifty-three-
member State agencies of the National Association of State Approving 
Agencies (NASAA) and their over 220 staff members, thank you for the 
opportunity to provide comments on legislation pertaining to veterans' 
education and training.

H.R. 1965 - ``Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment Act''

    This bill would increase the book stipend from $1,000 to $1,400 for 
veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits and would provide 
for annual increases for the stipend tied to the Consumer Price Index. 
The cost of books has risen dramatically since the book stipend was 
established in 2009, when the Post-9/11 GI Bill was signed. NASAA sees 
this as a needed and important improvement to the GI Bill.
    NASAA supports this bill.

H.R. 3387-``Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember's Experience 
(ETS) Act''

    This bill seeks to strengthen the Transition Assistance Program, 
something which is sorely needed. It does so by requiring minimum 
periods for counseling, allows repeat attendance by separating service 
members when space is available and makes separating service members 
eligible up to 540 days prior to separation. The bill also provides 
professional financial counseling, establishes a pilot program for 
military spouses, extends transitional health care coverage from 180 to 
270 days, and standardizes the TAP pathways across all services. It 
also requires improved coordination and information sharing between the 
Departments of Defense (DOD), Veterans Affairs, and Labor, along with 
annual reporting and audits of TAP delivery. Finally, it wisely creates 
a searchable VA website for recently separated veterans to find local 
support within the states, facilitating a smoother handoff to State 
agencies to ensure a more successful transition to civilian life. NASAA 
applauds the meaningful enhancement and comprehensive nature of this 
legislation.
    NASAA strongly supports this bill.

Discussion Draft - ``Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act''

    This bill would increase the monthly housing stipend for students 
in approved online programs of study approved by State Approving 
Agencies (SAA) to the full national average rate. Currently, students 
enrolled in distance learning programs receive a housing stipend rate 
that is equal to half the national average.
    Veterans are often non-traditional students, many of whom need to 
work full or part-time jobs to support their families while attending 
higher education institutions. Recent studies have suggested that many 
veterans seek out programs that offer online or hybrid options due to 
the greater flexibility they offer. Furthermore, some have service-
connected disabilities that make online learning their most viable 
option for pursuing higher education. As the gatekeepers of quality, 
State Approving Agencies have long had concerns about online education 
and training in certain disciplines, but we also recognize the far-
reaching innovations and improvements which have taken place in the 
sphere of online education over the past decade, some as a result of 
the COVID crisis. Finally, one of the early arguments against the full 
housing stipend was that online students were not using residence halls 
and/or on-campus facilities, which meant they did not need the full 
housing stipend as they were likely living at home or somewhere without 
additional housing costs. Almost two decades later we know this is 
generally not the case and the law needs to reflect present day 
circumstances and recognize that most online student veterans also are 
paying rent and living expenses. Likewise, NASAA appreciates the 
argument that the national average may be higher than the full-time 
stipend in some cases, resulting in some online students receiving a 
higher living stipend than some residential students. This could be 
addressed by changing the language to read that students would receive 
the higher of either the national average OR the full-time resident 
rate at the school. Regardless, we no longer believe it is appropriate 
to penalize veterans who choose and can benefit from approved 
educational programs delivered online. Especially considering that for 
some veterans and their families, this may be their best and most 
reasonable way to achieve their higher education goal.
    Finally, with increased oversight from the State Approving Agency, 
as provided in the risk-based survey model and supervisory visits, we 
feel that we can ensure that bad actors do not take advantage of 
veterans. To ensure this remains the case, we ask that Congress insist 
that the VA work closely with State Approving Agencies so that risk-
based surveys (RBS) are conducted efficiently and effectively as was 
the case in the original RBS model developed by NASAA.
    NASAA supports this bill.

HR 2954 - ``Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act of 2025''

    This bill permits the VA to act in the role of the State Approving 
Agency to approve multi-state apprenticeship programs and ``for other 
purposes.'' As written, it would place the approval of truck driver 
training programs/apprenticeships solely in the hands of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs and as such, removes the critical authority and 
action from the States and their approval experts, the State Approving 
Agencies. This legislation, while seemingly well meaning, causes NASAA 
great concern in its present form. As drafted, this bill sweeps away 
vital protections provided to veterans in the important Federal 
partnership requiring State approval of education and training programs 
for veterans. Given that the VALOR Act is already law and provides for 
the approval of multi-state apprenticeships, we fail to see a 
compelling need for this legislation. With current challenges to proper 
approval and oversight, as well as the need to further strengthen SAA 
approval requirements and improve timely communication with the VA, we 
maintain that we should not remove the important responsibility of 
approval and oversight from State Approving Agencies.
    NASAA strongly opposes this bill in its present form.

Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives

Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, NASAA has 
not received any Federal grants in Fiscal Year 2025, nor has it 
received any Federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.

NASAA has not received payments or contracts from any foreign 
governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.

            Prepared Statement of Veterans Education Success
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

          Prepared Statement of Paralyzed Veterans of America

    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and members of the 
subcommittee, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), would like to thank 
you for the opportunity to submit our views on some of the legislation 
being discussed before the subcommittee. No group of veterans 
understand the full scope of benefits and care provided by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better than PVA members, veterans 
who have acquired a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). We 
appreciate the opportunity to share our views on some of the 
legislation being discussed today.

H.R. 2791, to increase the maximum amount of housing loan guaranty 
entitlement available to certain veterans under the laws administered 
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    PVA supports this bill, which would increase the guaranty amount 
protected by the VA, allowing veterans to have greater purchasing power 
when it comes to buying their first home. As we face a housing crisis 
across the country, veterans need to be able to compete when purchasing 
a house. By increasing the amount available through VA's home loan 
program, veterans will have a greater opportunity to buy a suitable 
residence that meets their needs.

H.R. 3031, the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act

    The Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP), housed within the 
American Job Centers across the country, is an employment program run 
by the Department of Labor which is funded through the Jobs for 
Veterans State Grant Program. The intent of the DVOP is to offer 
dedicated career assistance to eligible veterans. Many DVOPs currently 
offer employment support to surviving spouses, but it is not authorized 
in statute. Congress should do everything it can to reduce the 
unemployment rate for military spouses, which has exceeded more than 20 
percent since 2021.\1\ PVA supports codifying the expanded eligibility 
for DVOP services to surviving spouses and the spouses of currently 
serving military personnel to better meet their employment needs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Military Spouses Factsheet.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 3481, the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025

    Getting information to student veterans in a timely manner is 
critical, and the VA must be able to meet veterans where they are. By 
authorizing digital communications for GI Bill recipients, student 
veterans will no longer be reliant on traditional mail service for 
necessary information. As the VA seeks to modernize benefits delivery, 
this common-sense legislation will help ensure student veterans are 
considered and included in those efforts. PVA supports this 
legislation.

Discussion Draft, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act

    While we appreciate the evolution of education delivery, 
particularly when it comes to accessibility, raising the Basic 
Allowance for Housing for student veterans pursuing online education 
could have dire unintended consequences. Rural communities with 
institutions of higher learning that have a cost of living lower than 
the national average would see a drop in enrollment due to this 
legislation incentivizing online education rather than in person or 
hybrid programs. This would penalize students in rural communities and 
discourage students from attending in person, which would have an 
impact on veteran resource centers and other campus investments. 
Historically, online education programs have had varying levels of 
success, and in the early days of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, online 
programs were a mechanism for predatory schools to take advantage of VA 
benefits while providing subpar education programs to veterans. Many 
veterans are still trying to be made whole after predatory schools took 
their education benefits while producing no meaningful degree or 
certificate. In terms of online education benefits, restoring those 
benefits to harmed veterans should be the priority. Consequently, PVA 
does not support this draft legislation.

H.R. 3386, the Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act

    The Solid Start Program has been a valuable addition to the 
outreach and engagement mechanisms that VA uses to reach out to 
veterans; however, it is currently limited to tailored mailings. PVA 
supports the Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act, which 
would allow VA to conduct outreach via text messaging, virtual chat 
features, and other forms of electronic engagement.

H.R. 3579, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act

    PVA is generally supportive of the Veterans Readiness and 
Employment Program Integrity Act, but we believe it could be 
strengthened by modifying some of its provisions. While we appreciate 
the intent of section two of this legislation, some veterans may 
struggle with their application because of the service-connected 
disability that has made them eligible for Veterans Readiness and 
Employment (VR&E) enrollment. Requiring these veterans to complete the 
application to receive assistance seems burdensome. However, 
application assistance should not be the responsibility of the veteran 
rehabilitation counselor (VRC), this could be done by a veteran 
rehabilitation specialist, staff who support VRCs in some of their 
administrative work.
    We also believe that section three of the bill fails to recognize 
that every veteran has unique needs that must be addressed before they 
are able to find meaningful and sustained employment. Placing an 
arbitrary cap on the length of time a veteran should be able to find 
employment discounts the experiences of disabled veterans. There is no 
established timeline for veterans reengaging with the workforce and 
limiting their ability to work with a counselor to find suitable 
employment is an unnecessary barrier that could cause direct harm to 
catastrophically disabled veterans.
    Finally, while the Veterans Benefits Administration Annual Benefits 
Report contains a lot of good information about the VR&E program, it 
still leaves a lot of gaps. Some type of VR&E specific annual report 
would be helpful to the VA, Congress, and stakeholders who engage with 
the program. PVA believes the roll out of the new VR&E platform, the 
Readiness and Employment System, should make this type of report easier 
to produce.

Discussion Draft, the Heroes Owning & Materializing Equity Act of 2025

    PVA supports this draft legislation but offers recommendations to 
improve it. We strongly support section two of the bill, which seeks to 
increase a borrower's understanding of and financial responsibility for 
using a VA home loan. However, we have concerns about the database that 
would be created under section three of the bill, because we believe it 
could be difficult to establish and maintain it. Although we support 
increasing access to adapted houses, such a database would need to 
provide in depth information about the modifications made to the home. 
Also, it appears that the database would only be available to other 
veterans who are eligible for VA's adaptive housing programs. Would 
purchasing a home on the database affect a veteran's eligibility for 
any other modifications needed? Would VA ensure that the adaptations 
meet the veteran's needs? Further clarifications regarding the nature 
of the database and its use would improve the bill. Finally, we support 
section four of the bill, which requires the VA to improve outreach 
efforts to veterans who reside in territories regarding eligibility for 
VA programs and services.

Discussion Draft, to limit the amount of time the Secretary of 
Veterans' Affairs may extend the period of a vocational rehabilitation 
program for a veteran

    Every veteran who uses the VR&E program is unique and has their own 
individual barriers to employment. When a veteran is identified as 
having a serious employment handicap, program extensions can be made 
available on a case-by-case basis. We agree that reasonable limits 
should be placed on program participation, but placing a blanket cap on 
its use is not the right solution.
    In a December 2024 VR&E oversight hearing, the VA testified that, 
``an extension may be granted to a Veteran with an Employment Handicap 
if the Veteran previously completed training an occupational field, but 
the Veteran's service-connected disability (or disabilities) have 
worsened to the point that the previous occupation is no longer 
suitable. For a Veteran who has been determined to have a Serious 
Employment Handicap, an extension may be granted to enable the Veteran 
to complete a period of rehabilitation to the point of employability. 
These are the majority of reasons extensions are granted.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\ Testimony of Nicholas Pamperin, Executive Director, Veteran 
Readiness and Employment, Veterans Benefits Administration, Testimony, 
December 11, 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    There is no way to determine how long a veteran may, or may not, 
need VR&E support. An arbitrary cap would do little more than limit 
participation, and it could potentially harm veterans who need to 
return to the program after a period of successful employment if that 
veteran's disabilities have worsened. Therefore, PVA cannot support 
this draft legislation.

H.R. 1965, the Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment Act

    Although the Post-9/11 GI Bill has expanded education opportunities 
for servicemembers and veterans, ancillary benefits offered through the 
GI Bill have not increased since 2008. Currently, the book stipend 
authorized under Chapter 33 falls well short of what is needed to cover 
the costs of books that a student veteran is expected to purchase 
annually as part of their education curriculum. Increasing the stipend 
amount to $1,400 and tying it to the consumer price index, ensures 
current and future student veterans will receive the support they need.

H.R. 2720, the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act

    This legislation would sunset the Chapter 35, Dependents and 
Educational Assistance (DEA) program, by August 1, 2029, and would 
allow the eligible dependents and survivors to access the Post-9/11 GI 
Bill (Chapter 33) for their education benefits. Currently, DEA benefits 
are available to dependents and survivors of a veteran who:

      is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-
connected disability, or

      died because of a service-connected disability, or

      died in the line of duty, or

      is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty 
by a hostile force for more than 90 days, or

      was forcibly detained (held) or interned in the line of 
duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days, or

      is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a 
service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be 
discharged for that disability.

    Chapter 35 benefits consist of a monthly payment to help students 
cover some of the costs while participating in college courses, on-the-
job training, or an apprenticeship. Meanwhile, Chapter 33 benefits 
consist of direct payments of tuition and fees, a monthly housing 
allowance, and money for books and supplies. In general, Chapter 33 is 
the more generous benefit.
    Military families, survivors, and dependents of seriously disabled 
veterans have numerous obstacles to employment and educational 
opportunities. Many of them had to take on caregiver roles that usurped 
their higher education ambitions. PVA supports this legislation, which 
would give greater educational support to survivors and dependents of 
seriously disabled veterans to help improve their economic outlook.

H.R. 2954, the Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act of 2025

    PVA supports the Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act, which would 
improve the GI Bill apprenticeship approval process by allowing 
interstate commercial carriers to receive a single approval from the 
VA. Currently, approvals need to be granted for each State. This 
creates complications for veterans seeking training to join the 
trucking industry.

H.R. 2034, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act

    The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship was established to give 
students using VA education benefits additional time when pursuing 
degrees in various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
fields due to the nature of graduation requirements for these rigorous 
degrees. This legislation removes several barriers that could increase 
participation rates for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship by 
reducing the number of required credits from 60 to 45 and eliminating 
the requirement that an applicant must have exhausted their Post-9/11 
GI Bill. By eliminating these barriers, more students will be eligible 
to apply for the scholarship and be better prepared to plan for their 
educational future. Eligibility will still be determined by VA, but 
removing these requirements should increase the number of applicants. 
PVA supports this bill.

Discussion Draft, Every Veteran Housed Act

    Preventing veteran homelessness remains a critical challenge, and 
Congress should give the VA as many tools as it can to reduce the 
number of homeless veterans. This draft legislation expands the 
eligibility for homelessness benefits to include veterans discharged 
under other than dishonorable conditions, despite their time in 
service. It would also include all branches of the uniformed services. 
Servicemembers are separated from the military for a myriad of reasons, 
and we should not ignore the needs of these individuals. Expanding 
eligibility to homelessness support programs and allowing these 
veterans to access these critical services will not only help prevent 
chronic homelessness for these individuals, but it will also take us a 
step closer to eliminating homelessness for all veterans.
    Thank you for the opportunity to share our views on some of the 
legislation before the subcommittee today. We look forward to working 
with you on the bills discussed and would be happy to answer any 
questions you may have.

  Information Required by Rule XI 2(g) of the House of Representatives

Pursuant to Rule XI 2(g) of the House of Representatives, the following 
information is provided regarding Federal grants and contracts.

                            Fiscal Year 2025

Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports 
Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports 
activities--$502,000.

                            Fiscal Year 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports 
Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports 
activities--$479,000.

                            Fiscal Year 2022

Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of National Veterans Sports 
Programs & Special Events--Grant to support rehabilitation sports 
activities--$ 437,745.

                     Disclosure of Foreign Payments

Paralyzed Veterans of America is largely supported by donations from 
the general public. However, in some very rare cases we receive direct 
donations from foreign nationals. In addition, we receive funding from 
corporations and foundations which in some cases are U.S. subsidiaries 
of non-U.S. companies.

                                 

  Prepared Statement of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

    Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Pappas, and members of the 
subcommittee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the 
opportunity to provide our remarks on legislation pending before this 
subcommittee.

H.R. 2334, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to preempt any 
squatter's rights established by State law regarding real property 
owned by a member of the uniformed services

    The VFW supports this legislation to amend the Servicemembers Civil 
Relief Act (SCRA) to preempt State laws granting squatter's rights to 
individuals occupying property owned by a service member during periods 
of active service. This bill addresses an emerging concern for service 
members who may be unable to monitor or defend their property due to 
deployments or other service-related obligations. By clarifying that 
such state-level protections for squatters do not apply in these cases, 
this legislation would provide additional peace of mind and help 
preserve property rights for persons who are serving our country. The 
VFW sees this as a practical and necessary enhancement to existing SCRA 
protections.

H.R. 3386, Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act

    The VFW supports this legislation to enhance the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) Solid Start Program. It is a top VFW legislative 
priority to ensure transitioning service members are made aware through 
multiple avenues of the VA benefits they have earned, including during 
the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and in communications with 
accredited representatives as part of the VA Benefits Delivery at 
Discharge program. VFW survey data indicate that VA outreach efforts 
can be improved to better inform veterans about benefits that can be 
lifesaving and to ensure a successful transition to civilian life. 
Solid Start was established for VA to conduct outreach to recently 
separated members of the armed forces during their first year after the 
military. It involved VA staff making three phone calls to veterans to 
inform them of the benefits and services to which they may be entitled, 
to answer questions about benefits, and provide additional resources 
and information as needed.
    This legislation would address how VA would conduct further 
outreach if veterans could not be reached by phone. Currently, the law 
indicates that VA should follow up with ``tailored mailings to ensure 
the veteran still receives similar information.'' This proposal would 
expand that directive to include not only tailored mailings, but also 
other forms of communication including text messaging, virtual 
chatting, and other electronic messaging options. The VFW agrees that 
every effort should be made by VA to reach veterans using modern modes 
of communication, especially during their first year after military 
service.

H.R. 3387, Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember's Experience (ETS) 
Act

    The VFW strongly supports this legislation to strengthen the 
Transition Assistance Program by expanding eligibility to 540 days 
prior to separation, requiring minimum durations for counseling, and 
allowing repeat attendance on a space-available basis. The bill also 
includes a pilot program for military spouses, mandates individualized 
financial counseling by qualified professionals, standardizes TAP 
pathways across all service components, and extends transitional health 
care coverage from 180 to 270 days.
    It also promotes a more seamless and supportive transition by 
requiring improved coordination and information sharing between the 
Departments of Defense (DOD), Veterans Affairs, and Labor, along with 
annual reporting and audits of TAP delivery. It would also create a 
searchable VA website for recently separated veterans to locate local 
support. Since veterans receive their benefits and services primarily 
through VA, we find it to be the most appropriate entity to host a 
website for local resources. Improving transition programs is one of 
the VFW's top priorities, and we see this proposal as directly 
supporting the intent of the current DOD and VA memorandum of 
understanding to enhance coordination between the two departments on 
these efforts. The VFW appreciates the comprehensive nature of this 
proposal and encourages the committee to swiftly advance it.

H.R. 3481, Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025

    The VFW supports this legislation to require VA to provide a 
mechanism for veterans to correspond electronically with VA staff to 
ask questions about entitlement to and use of educational assistance 
programs. Veterans would be able to opt to receive these communications 
electronically instead of by regular mail. Additionally, those already 
enrolled in educational programs would be notified of this option. The 
VFW sees this as a positive step toward providing modern ways to 
communicate with VA and receive the answers to pressing questions about 
benefits and services. The VFW recommends implementing this option even 
beyond VA education benefits.

H.R. 3579, Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act

    The VFW supports the intent of this legislation to make certain 
improvements to Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). The VFW is 
neutral on the provision to require veterans to apply for VR&E services 
before receiving an evaluation by a counselor. If this creates a 
timelier process, then this would be a positive change. However, the 
VFW wants to ensure that veterans are able to reach out to VA with 
questions about VR&E eligibility and receive an explanation of the 
application process. Veterans should be able to speak with VA staff 
about this benefit and understand if it is a potential option for them.
    The VFW does not support reducing employment assistance counseling 
from 18 to 12 months for veterans who have completed VR&E programs. 
When veterans complete their rehabilitation programs, they may struggle 
to find employment on their own. Employment counseling is an important 
resource for veterans with service-connected disabilities who are 
trying to reenter the workforce. Reducing this timeframe may hinder 
some veterans from successfully finding long-term employment.
    The VFW supports the provisions that require VA to report on 
employment outcomes of VR&E participants, including wages earned, and 
to annually make public the average wait times between the date when a 
veteran requests a VR&E program and the date on which the veteran first 
meets with a counselor. This reporting would provide valuable 
information on the effectiveness and timeliness of the program. The VFW 
also supports the provision for an external body to review the program 
and provide recommendations on potential improvements. We look forward 
to working with the subcommittee to discuss this proposal further and 
to pass important reforms for the VR&E program.

Discussion Draft, Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act

    The VFW supports this legislation to increase the monthly housing 
stipend for students in approved online courses of study. Currently, 
students in distance learning programs receive a housing stipend rate 
that is half the national average. This legislation would raise that 
amount to the full national average rate.
    The reality is that many veterans are nontraditional students. Some 
have spouses and dependents to support. Some work one or more jobs 
while pursuing their education. Some left the military with service-
connected injuries or illnesses that create barriers to attending 
school fully in person. All these factors have an impact on veterans' 
lives and their ability to use their education benefits. Online 
programs may be the best fit for certain veterans. Some may participate 
in in-person courses for part of their education or training, but then 
shift for a semester or during the summer months to distance learning 
courses. It is critical that veterans have stable housing while they 
use their earned education benefits to be successful in completing the 
programs and ensure the well-being of their families. As education 
evolves with new technologies, veteran benefits must also evolve to be 
fully utilized.

Discussion Draft, To amend title 38, United States Code, to limit the 
amount of time the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs may extend the period 
of a vocational rehabilitation program for a veteran

    The VFW does not support limiting vocational rehabilitation 
extensions to an arbitrary 96 months. The VR&E program provides 
individualized rehabilitation plans for disabled veterans. Each plan is 
unique and tailored to the specific needs of each veteran. If an 
extension is required for a veteran to complete the program, 
particularly if a service-connected disability worsens, the period of 
the extension should be an appropriate amount of time for the veteran 
to achieve the employment goals. Additionally, if a veteran requires an 
extension, VA should also assess whether the rehabilitation plan should 
continue unchanged with an extension, or be reevaluated and modified.

H.R. 1965, Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment Act

    The VFW supports this legislation to increase the book stipend from 
$1,000 to $1,400 for veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill education 
benefits. It would also include annual increases for the stipend based 
on the Consumer Price Index. The $1,000 book stipend has not been 
increased since 2009 when the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed into law, 
even though the cost of books and supplies for higher education has 
increased. The VFW sees this as a commonsense improvement to this 
education benefit.

H.R. 2720, Gold Star Family Education Parity Act

    As a resolutions-based organization, the VFW does not currently 
have a position on ending the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
Assistance program in favor of another education benefit for survivors. 
Accordingly, we do not have an opinion on this legislation at this 
time. While the VFW would like to see education benefits for survivors 
continue to be strengthened and improved, we caution against 
inadvertently creating a benefits package for survivors that is more 
generous than similar benefits to which veterans are entitled due to 
their service.

Discussion Draft, Every Veteran Housed Act

    The VFW supports this legislation to expand veteran homeless 
programs to more veterans facing housing instability. This proposal 
would broaden the eligibility for veterans who served for any length of 
time in the military, discharged under certain conditions. It would 
also include expanded eligibility for those currently serving. Stable 
housing is a key contributor to physical and mental well-being and can 
lower risks for suicide. Programs aimed at preventing veteran 
homelessness should be available to all veterans who need them.
    Chairman Van Orden and Ranking Member Pappas, this concludes my 
statement. Again, thank you for the opportunity to offer our comments 
on these issues.

Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives

Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, the VFW has 
not received any Federal grants in Fiscal Year 2025, nor has it 
received any Federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.

The VFW has not received payments or contracts from any foreign 
governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.

                                 

     Prepared Statement of New England Center and Home for Veterans

    Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano,

    On January 2, 2025, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century 
Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law. 
An important provision of the Act is Section 402, which authorizes the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a Grant and Per Diem (GPD) 
reimbursement rate of up to 200 percent of the State home domiciliary 
rate, for up to 50 percent of grant recipients. This is a much-needed 
increase beyond the current reimbursement rate, which is capped at 115 
percent of the State domiciliary rate.
    Despite this authorization, the VA has not implemented the new 
rates, citing concerns that doing so could cause it to exceed the 
current authorization of appropriations (AoA) for GPD. The AoA is 
currently capped at $257,700,000 per Fiscal Year, which is what it has 
been since 2016, despite the fact that, according to the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index increased by almost 33 
percent over the same timeframe \1\. The temporary increase in 
reimbursement rates during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) 
did provide some respite. However, when rates returned to their 
original limits at the expiration of the PHE in May 2023, GPD operating 
costs remained high. The resultant gap between reimbursements and 
actual expenses was even wider than pre-COVID levels.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ CPI Home : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The financial impact of the Dole Act's increased rates having not 
been implemented is significant, especially for providers in high-cost 
areas, like The New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV). 
Transitional Housing remains a vital mainstay of the NECHV's programs 
to combat and end Veteran homelessness, and the VA GPD Program is its 
largest and most important transitional housing program. The Center's 
downtown Boston Massachusetts facility is ideally located in the area 
with the highest concentration of Veterans experiencing homelessness in 
New
    England, however it is also within the highest cost area of the 
State. While estimates differ slightly, Boston is acknowledged to be 
one of the most expensive cities in the country \2\, with a cost of 
living estimated to be 48 percent higher than the national average.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\ https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/ma/boston and https:/
/bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/massachusetts/boston
    \3\ https://homeandmoney.com/blog/moving-to-boston-ma
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The ability to access reimbursement payments commensurate with 
actual expenses is critical for providers like the NECHV. In recent 
years, the Center expanded its GPD Clinical Treatment Program from 40 
to 45 beds and converted ten of those beds into individual private 
rooms with corresponding baths in order to meet Veteran health and 
safety needs. While this improves the ability to support an 
increasingly ageing and medically frail Veteran population, it 
increases per-bed and per-day operating costs. The Center also operates 
a 20-bed Low Demand GPD program which provides an enhanced level of 
services, including 24-hour per day intensive Human Services staffing. 
This program has been effective in producing positive outcomes for the 
most at-risk Veterans, but it remains funded at the same rate as other 
GPD service models, despite the added expenses of full-time staffing. 
Since those staffing requirements and expenses are constant, regardless 
of occupancy rate, they are essentially a fixed cost, which makes the 
program more costly at lower occupancies. This creates additional 
disincentives for providers to offer these highly effective, but 
support-intensive, programs.
    Labor costs for credentialed and experienced human services 
personnel are a particular challenge. These skill sets are vital for 
community providers like the NECHV that support an increasingly acute 
population of vulnerable Veterans experiencing or at-risk of 
homelessness. Due in part to the increased demand for human services 
and mental health professionals during the COVID PHE, between Q1 of 
2020 to Q3 of 2024, the average weekly wage for Social Assistance 
Workers (NAICS Code 624) in Massachusetts increased by 34.8 percent 
\4\. Despite the requirement for GPD service models like Low Demand to 
provide to provide ``paid, appropriately trained'' \5\ staff, 
reimbursements have not kept pace with this growth in wages. Further 
exacerbating this situation, the NECHV has found that the most 
effective approach to GPD program implementation is to employ masters-
level clinicians as Case Managers. Within Massachusetts, the average 
weekly salary for such staff (including Licensed Clinical Social 
Workers, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers and Licensed 
Mental Health Clinicians) is approximately 80 percent higher than 
Social Assistance Workers ($1,400/week vs. $779/week) \6\, adding 
further cost to GPD program operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\ Private, NAICS 624 Social assistance, Massachusetts Quarterly 
data 2020--2024 , All establishment sizes Source: Quarterly Census of 
Employment and Wages--Bureau of Labor Statistics
    \5\ Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Providers Grant and Per 
Diem (GPD) Program Per Diem Only (PDO) Grant Notice of Funding 
Opportunity, 27 October 2022.
    \6\ Salary: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Lcsw in Massachusetts 
2025 Glassdoor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In practical terms for the NECHV, the growth in operating expenses, 
with no change in reimbursements, has resulted in a gap between 
expenses and reimbursement payments of $52.41 per bed per day for the 
Clinical Treatment service model and $182.13 per bed per day for Low 
Demand. (Approximately $6000.00 total cost per day for both programs at 
100 percent occupancy) \7\. Since passage of the Dole Act on January 2d 
of this year, the Center's accumulated shortfall of VA reimbursements 
versus actual GPD Program costs for the year to date is approximately 
$924,000. If the existing rate versus expense situation endures for the 
remainder of Fiscal Year 2025, the total unreimbursed cost of operating 
the NECHV's current GPD program could grow as high as $1.6M.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \7\ The NECHV's GPD Programs typically operate at approximately 85 
percent occupancy year-round. However, since many costs, such as staff 
and utilities are relatively constant despite occupancy rates, the 
difference between expenses and reimbursements is actually higher at 
lower rates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    While these costs are specific to the NECHV, the situation has 
placed greater financial burden on all providers. Between the Fiscal 
Year 2020 GPD grant round and the 2024 grant round, the number of GPD 
providers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts decreased from nine to 
five, with a loss of at least 44 Clinical Treatment and Low Demand 
beds.
    The NECHV greatly appreciates the overwhelming bipartisan support 
exhibited in the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act. However, 
until the shortfall in the GPD AoA is corrected to enable the VA to 
implement the newly authorized reimbursement rates, the Center and 
other provider organizations will not be able to realize the full 
benefits of this important legislation. The House recently passed H.R. 
1815, which contains a provision that would increase the GPD AoA within 
the current fiscal year. The NECHV is thankful for this progress and 
fully supports this measure as the most expeditious solution to the 
current situation. The current limitation in the Title 38 Code USC 2016 
GPD Fiscal Year AoA must be addressed for organizations like the NECHV 
to be able to continue delivering critical services to Veterans in 
need. We respectfully request your continued support and attention to 
achieving this end.

           Prepared Statement of Student Veterans of America
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


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