Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX) and Byron Donalds (R-FL) have come together in a bipartisan fashion to introduce the Informing Veterans on Education for Transition for Servicemembers (VETS) Act, a bill that attempts to inform former members of the U.S. military of the benefits they’ve earned as they move past their career in the Service.
Rep. Allred said that this issue is a priority of his while serving as an elected official.
“Ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they have earned will always be a priority of mine in Congress,” said Rep. Allred. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Informing VETS Act which works to ensure that our veterans are informed as they make decisions regarding education benefits. I will always work with anyone to make sure our veterans have the support, services and opportunities they need when they return home.”
Additionally, Rep. Donalds said that this bill provides “critical” assistance for veterans to make sure their benefits are made aware to those who’ve earned it.
“It is critical that we ensure that our veterans are informed of the educational programs that are available to them in an efficient and direct way. I am proud to co-lead legislation that will give our nation’s heroes the tools available to succeed in transitioning to civilian life and bolstering their employment opportunities,” said Rep. Donalds.
Moreover, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remind veterans of the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program by sending letters to those who are eligible to receive its benefits. It would also require the VA to provide side-by-side comparisons of benefits between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E programs online.
The Informing VETS Act has received the support of multiple veterans organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) groups.
The organizations shared their public endorsement of the bill.
“Veterans with significant disabilities deserve the opportunity to achieve meaningful careers and the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program is essential in helping them achieve this goal. The Informing VETS Act is a critical first step in ensuring disabled veterans are aware of their eligibility for the VR&E program,” said Heather Ansley, the Associate Executive Director of Government Relations for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Joy Ilem, the DAV’s National Legislative Director mentioned, “VA education and employment programs are invaluable tools for our nation’s service-disabled veterans looking to re-enter the workforce. However, a significant number of veterans remain unaware of the full gamut of educational and vocational benefits offered by the VA, such as participation in the VR&E program. DAV applauds the introduction of the Informing VETS Act and thanks Rep. Allred and Rep. Donalds for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring our nation’s veterans are made aware of all the benefits they have earned through their service.”
