[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98,110],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},"mediaId",6203610,"mediaKeyId","3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9","parentId",3782356,"title","VA supports 180-day VR&E limit but committee presses on long case durations","audioSeconds",2888,"startMs",1838000,"endMs",4726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9&start=1838&end=4726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9/thumbnail_1838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6203610/VA-supports-180-day-VRE-limit-but-committee-presses-on-long-case-durations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203610-94fd7adfa0564380c588f6f0ee54b4bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1769961242&Signature=JZCINNAveqpGNpJs5XSwKcHQpOMOjC6Qbbf64T4G9E9B9fxlxw7rUeSYWdZJVAN60Oa-NNSI2BFjRTGGLlazE9A6HmwcYPvGSAmyrMTPy2edjlOuyU8k2S56ecR9nXl71LArPlCTLpDRX9yd8g~1~cqWppT2Qcg5dc8rpp-9H9A0~yZl7YHVyv8u1kgb1ytNkqck~OrqJZTA6nce6BcTk1C5IiU4cjyTGm5Gi8h7MZUt6NfPtOxzsEqlf4F-GfbeValDmz2eOfEYUssRicdmSS1uE5C7daK4b72nJU8INwdQk0EwQE76OkXR~kHCQI4iDQ~HqE5yr-PEGagRVu0GJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs","date","2025-06-12T10:43:01.103Z","article","The subcommittee considered changes to the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, including HR 3579 (the Veterans Readiness and Employment Integrity Act), which would set a 180-day time limit for employment assistance services in VR&E.

Nick Pamperin of the Department of Veterans Affairs told the subcommittee that VA “supports HR 35 79, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Integrity Act,” noting that veterans are most actively engaged with job searches within three to six months of placement services and that a 180-day limit would focus counseling and placement work when outcomes are likeliest.

Members pushed VA on program oversight and on cases reported by committee staff in which beneficiaries have remained on VR&E with long interruptions for decades. Representative Van Orden and other members questioned VA witnesses about why some individuals appear to have multi-decade case records and demanded follow-up and data to determine whether those cases reflect ongoing services, interrupted participation, or administrative issues. VA said it would take follow-up questions for the record and work with the committee on oversight.

University and VSO witnesses suggested tracking outcome metrics — job retention, veteran satisfaction, cost per outcome and long-term wage growth — to measure VR&E effectiveness and inform any statutory changes. VA told the subcommittee it welcomes legislative and oversight engagement and will provide the committee additional information as requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing","oneSentenceSummary","VA told the subcommittee it supports a proposal to limit Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) employment assistance to 180 days, while lawmakers raised alarm about cases lasting decades and pressed VA for data and oversight reforms.","taxTitle","Veterans Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1825,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6203614,"Lawmakers press VA and advocates on Every Veteran Housed Act amid disputes over definitions and resources",963,1450000,2413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9&start=1450&end=2413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9/thumbnail_1450000.jpg","/articles/6203614/Lawmakers-press-VA-and-advocates-on-Every-Veteran-Housed-Act-amid-disputes-over-definitions-and-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203614-f4ab649edba92d4cf1744b4df09edd4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1769961242&Signature=bctqPi47c~uJzhVg9hJK21q3H4KAB7oZnlIr7a~XKrFVWeEJJGyruHZ90lSbPhIEDCFmy3VnTo-gOBudHg2seZEnKqp3-L~~ZHENwTEvv9SX02NOIwxuEf2vYBLOSbgh0-msjyfZmcOL1jR0M6LupG0eiEzXxIN6lgw9d5kT~a~rer6pD6wonvqv-8vyJsGTyYCo4gGJg0BVFfXiKrjHgeSMa4WD2Gro~HCVr12B5NnwI0ap9mYvNv1RXiwxJP-Fh0-3FiPQMbrZzRTLq7K1wEUZWy2p2Re6jL-uN9kD0sWm4T78i7qWSVT3wCSWWjT1boO8tcitdu-zacr-63GHYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Earl Blumenauer's colleague Representative Jared Huffman? (transcript identifies Representative Dexter) introduced the Every Veteran Housed Act to expand eligibility for VA homelessness programs to more veterans, including many who currently lack access under existing statutory definitions. Supporters said the bill would reduce veteran homelessness by consolidating and broadening eligibility for housing and supportive services.

Representative Joe Courtney (per transcript, Representative Dexter) explained the legislation would expand eligibility to anyone who served in uniform and received anything but a dishonorable discharge, aiming to include veterans who currently fall outside VA homelessness authorities. TAPS and the American Legion expressed support. Andrew Petrie of the American Legion said the bill would “ensure that as many veterans as possible can be housed and find transitional housing”; Ashlyn Haycock Lohman of TAPS emphasized the link between stable housing and suicide prevention and called for broader access to services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs raised concerns about the bill. In written and oral testimony, Nick Pamperin said VA “does not support the Every Veteran Housed Act” as written because the change would adopt a single veteran definition across more than a dozen programs, altering current statutory eligibility in ways that require interagency review and new resources. VA said further coordination and review is needed to assess how resource needs and statutory changes would play out before implementation.

Lawmakers and witnesses stressed that veteran homelessness and suicide risk are closely related problems: panelists cited studies and agency data showing housing instability increases suicide risk among veterans. Multiple committee members urged VA and other agencies to work with bill sponsors to address definitional and resourcing issues so the legislation can improve access without creating implementation gaps or unintended consequences.

The committee closed the discussion with requests for VA and other agencies to provide more detailed resource estimates and program impact analyses to guide technical amendments.","Representative Dexter's Every Veteran Housed Act to expand eligibility for VA homelessness assistance drew support from veteran groups and survivors' advocates, while VA said the bill would alter statutory veteran definitions across many programs and needs further coordination and resource assessment.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6203620,"VA warns against rapid fee changes as committee considers home-loan measures",1199,1178000,2377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9&start=1178&end=2377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9/thumbnail_1178000.jpg","/articles/6203620/VA-warns-against-rapid-fee-changes-as-committee-considers-home-loan-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203620-58ef0d2cd6a774bdf6ab7c6ebf06819d/orig.mp4?Expires=1769961242&Signature=Ta6qcPkFMQojiDo9fjwVmfvAiChYYLuWLLYEHqjIxhuh11S9LNWgQsgHVeNcuEHAULM0yxkkSJiRBPRNsptbs2FWq5lt5kfFy8vNxHhZW9UH0cP2rKd10a-nshaYJlIV4iDUIsRjQrIPfpokmOTOcI9-fFIGrpCrASgtbnKBS380q8yYhQZQvUogT~udsadoY5mHG6GAaKB8ON2rlwFRzhx0icOqbpC7s0RGHlU5ww4w3EYF3CA26Vfl76AEvQ0HKLMWNn7C9ycKGqmkSRsNvFv9vVUgRbg2FjqcREZ2zFBKrBv68dlHI7g4wso66xOnPSbyaQ6gSEG6V8gVwxPrZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers discussed several proposals aimed at improving veterans’ access to homeownership and preventing loan defaults, including a bill to reduce the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) fee, the HOME Act to expand voluntary financial counseling and create a national database of specially adapted homes, and proposals to increase VA home-loan entitlement limits.

Chairman Van Orden described an IRRRL refinancing relief bill that would “reduce the fee for veterans who are using an interest rate reduction loan or IRRRL,” saying it would make refinancing “even less expensive” for veterans and “put money back in veterans’ pockets.” Representative King Hines and others also highlighted complementary proposals to expand counseling and information to help veterans avoid foreclosure.

The Department of Veterans Affairs opposed the IRRRL fee reduction as written. Nick Pamperin testified that “VA does not support HR 33 84, the Refinancing Relief for Veterans Act,” because VA collects loan fees to fund housing loan operations and to reduce taxpayer liabilities, and changes to statutory loan-fee rates would require costly, time-consuming system updates for both lenders and VA. Pamperin said lenders generally require “up to 120 days or more lead time for program changes” and changes to funding-fee rates trigger system and training work.

On the HOME Act, Representative King Hines said the bill would allow VA to partner with veteran-service organizations to offer voluntary financial counseling and create a national database of specially adapted homes for veterans using the Specially Adapted Housing program. Supporters described the proposal as a common-sense measure to reduce the burden on disabled veterans seeking accessible housing.

Committee members asked agencies about implementation risks and timelines. VA’s written testimony and Pamperin’s oral remarks stressed the need to evaluate statutory impacts and system costs before enacting changes that alter fee structures or consolidate eligibility rules. Lawmakers and witnesses urged continued technical work between the committee and VA to identify amendments that preserve program integrity while improving veteran access to counseling and accessible housing listings.","The Subcommittee considered proposals to reduce refinancing fees for VA-backed IRRRL loans and to expand voluntary counseling and accessible-home databases; VA told lawmakers the refinancing-fee change would have system, implementation, and taxpayer implications.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6203624,"Committee weighs multiple bills to expand and equalize veterans’ education benefits",2284,3649000,5933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9&start=3649&end=5933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9/thumbnail_3649000.jpg","/articles/6203624/Committee-weighs-multiple-bills-to-expand-and-equalize-veterans-education-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203624-63b5eb4e004da23133de2960c782f094/orig.mp4?Expires=1769961242&Signature=KdZwEybMXGyTBfGfhREgFZxaTqGQnIieZlSWRapT7TiSPl1GfAyC27eZzfa0VRlfRmf0NIvCXtBBTdgQEypNkpd8SmLIgjrrYvcJkw0tnTe3uciiOo0gJyUtvuZMycG9c4DnIn16XzDFFtR6x0wH6wDnyvKsC-hmL~1imOwjXdhGblwE1XqPDSAFcZjLUsbvcEshYAQTmXOPw8MtBnY28NlIo4brPPbIQE-2QefeY6~9Cv49er9EWSdiw8BDZnOHn5NYlEIRJy~syoZsdM5hx4NUxLQCWzqUQoxE3ACt3pVHNXretxpgj9fLjPFqGlXUifRAjAYr-nW0SLSZ5Fu3BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee reviewed several proposals that would alter veterans' education benefits, including changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend, the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act, earlier access to STEM scholarships, an apprenticeship approval reform for interstate trucking programs, and proposals to change monthly housing allowance for online students.

Representative Gabe Vasquez introduced the bipartisan Veterans Education Assistance Adjustment Act to raise the annual book stipend from $1,000 to $1,400, citing inflation since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was enacted in February 2008. Andrew Petrie of the American Legion and Blaise Smith of the University of Arizona both endorsed increasing the book stipend, saying the rise would better cover supplies for students and families.

Representative Chris Pappas highlighted the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act (H.R. 2954), which would let interstate commercial carriers obtain a single VA approval for multistate apprenticeship programs rather than state-by-state approvals. He said that would “cut unnecessary red tape” and simplify apprenticeships for veterans seeking commercial driving jobs.

Representative Tim Kennedy and Ashlyn Haycock Lohman of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) pressed for the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act (H.R. 2720), which would align survivors’ benefits with the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) rather than the older Chapter 35 Survivors’ Indemnity/Educational Assistance structure. TAPS urged sunsetting Chapter 35 and moving eligible recipients to the Fry Scholarship, citing processing efficiencies and long-outdated Chapter 35 payment levels.

The Department of Veterans Affairs signaled support for some proposals but raised technical and implementation concerns. Nick Pamperin told the subcommittee VA “supports HR 35 79, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Integrity Act,” and VA supports increases to the book stipend. VA also “supports but cite[s] significant concerns with HR 33 87” (the ETS Act) and “does not support HR 33 84, the Refinancing Relief for Veterans Act” (home-loan fee change) and “does not support HR 27 20, the Gold Star Family Education Parry Act” in its current form because of differences in eligibility rules and payment structures between Chapter 33 and Chapter 35 that the bill does not resolve.

On online education, the committee heard competing views. The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act would raise the monthly housing allowance for veterans enrolled exclusively online to the national average. Supporters — including university witnesses who said online programs can be high quality and essential for students juggling family and work — argued that the current policy, which pays online students a lower rate, penalizes veterans who must study remotely. Ashlyn Haycock Lohman and others cautioned that raising online MHA to the national average could unintentionally shift federal dollars to for-profit institutions and penalize students in low-cost-of-living states; she said 73% of schools in some states have MHA below the national average and warned against creating incentives for predatory recruitment.

Several members asked VA for data about the share of GI Bill funding used for online programs and how VA calculates housing payments; Thomas Alfonso said VA relies on school certification to determine whether a student is enrolled solely online or in resident instruction. VA agreed to provide requested enrollment and payment-share numbers for the record.

Lawmakers and witnesses signaled bipartisan interest in advancing some measures, and VA told the committee it would work with members to resolve technical issues before finalizing legislation.","Lawmakers, VA officials and veteran-service organizations debated proposals to raise the GI Bill book stipend, expand STEM and apprenticeship access, adjust online housing stipends, and extend Gold Star family benefits; VA supported some changes but flagged implementation and statutory complexity for others.",{"_32":111,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":112,"_40":113,"_42":114,"_44":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6203629,"House subcommittee hears split views on TAP overhaul in ETS Act",1434,1534000,2968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9&start=1534&end=2968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782356-cc0ee1927dada93dfa0dde182c06a4c9/thumbnail_1534000.jpg","/articles/6203629/House-subcommittee-hears-split-views-on-TAP-overhaul-in-ETS-Act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203629-5deff2663fd14ab6fee8edd76b09d3d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1769961242&Signature=dfKibXWOQ9rD4Bg~u2Dzn1kv6XxzYIBVTCPsYw2dqfGwZnqpDi5U6neaJ1baW6xbzYnLKvvUw-67CE9rpKA15qt997GVmp~Zzg2XSC8nqya6FT~A895EgZXzAmMz6QoaEd1~xU-yQWYlMkf1UH48JAfT2ZRuFHS00dvlk5sprXYpLGYALh4saKEPpm0beNUEtFlVPXKSb23lwME1vH8aXUQM46NYVxe97se5GgUfyaYp3eFas~nfqKauZ2zZAeIK3kuCwdVVqhAACHJMkLMZdxX~qWA0gugS3TKFQWd-rVB64nEqYrFsvcRfldg3ccRes9JVwlafCV7pDaAnPxbhiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairman Van Orden convened the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee hearing to consider HR 33 87, the Enhancing the Transitioning Service Members Experience Act (ETS Act), a bill that would change how the Defense Department's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) delivers pre-separation counseling and post-separation support.

The measure would expand personalized TAP tracks, better integrate spouses, create a TAP resource website and authorize repeat participation in pre-separation counseling. Proponents said TAP already provides broad support but needs further modernization to meet the diverse needs of service members; DOD called TAP “best in class” while highlighting flexibility and individualized counseling.

The bill matters because TAP is the primary federal program that prepares service members for civilian life. Dr. Liz Clark, acting director of the Defense Support Service Center at the Department of Defense, told the subcommittee that TAP now provides “approximately 200,000 service members” annually and operates at “over 200 locations around the globe,” and that the program has moved from a one-size-fits-all model toward individualized tracks.

DOD testimony emphasized three priorities for TAP: effective counseling, service-member buy-in, and meaningful post-transition connections. Clark said TAP’s interagency design allows counselors to tailor services, and she described mandatory pre-separation counseling beginning 365 days before separation (730 days for retirees) as the current statutory balance between operational readiness and transition support.

The Department of Veterans Affairs expressed support for the ETS Act’s intent but raised “significant concerns” about specific sections that VA said would be problematic to implement without additional funding or clarification. Nick Pamperin, Executive Director of Veterans Readiness and Employment at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said VA “supports the bill’s overall intent, specifically the personalized support for at-risk service members and creating a TAP resource website,” but opposed provisions such as unannounced audits of pre-separation counseling and expanded after-hours counseling for military spouses because of resource and logistical constraints.

Members of Congress pressed both agencies on details. Representative Delia Ramirez and others urged TAP be culturally competent and trauma-informed and asked DOD whether individualized tracks could better serve women, LGBTQ+ service members and service members of color. Clark said individualized counseling paths and warm handovers to appropriate federal or local resources are part of current TAP practice and that TAP has evolved since the FY 2019 NDAA mandated more individualized approaches.

Several witnesses and lawmakers also asked the agencies to clarify how TAP serves reserve component members, who may experience multiple transitions. The Reserve Organization of America supported ETS Act provisions that create a tailored TAP track for reservists and allow repeat participation when appropriate.

The hearing closed with agencies and lawmakers agreeing to continue technical work. DOD and VA told the subcommittee they welcome follow-up conversations to resolve implementation details and resource questions before markup.

Follow-up: committee staff and agency witnesses agreed to provide technical details and implementation cost estimates to the subcommittee for suggestions and possible amendments.","Witnesses and lawmakers debated the Enhancing the Transitioning Service Members Experience Act, with the Department of Defense describing TAP as adaptive and individualized and the Department of Veterans Affairs supporting the bill's intent but raising resource and implementation concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

VA supports 180-day VR&E limit but committee presses on long case durations

Lawmakers press VA and advocates on Every Veteran Housed Act amid disputes over definitions and resources

VA warns against rapid fee changes as committee considers home-loan measures

Committee weighs multiple bills to expand and equalize veterans’ education benefits

House subcommittee hears split views on TAP overhaul in ETS Act