Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
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“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1039, as amended. This bill was introduced by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), my friend and fellow veteran, and I am proud to be a cosponsor. H.R. 1039, as amended, would require VA to contract with a research entity to improve the notice letters VA sends to veterans and survivors who file claims for VA benefits. The VA provides veterans and their survivors information throughout the VA claims process. It is important for these notice letters to be understandable so that the veterans and survivors know their rights and how to navigate the claims process. I am pleased to see that the VA has recently improved some of their notice letters. However, hundreds of other VA letters are still difficult to understand.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1039, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“(2) The term ``covered entities'' includes-- (A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (B) an expert in laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (C) a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code; (D) an entity that advocates for veterans; and (E) an entity that advocates for the survivors of veterans. (3) The terms ``claimant'' and ``notice'' have the meanings given such terms in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``November 30, 2031'' and inserting ``December 31, 2031''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.”
“(c) Report; Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the assessment under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- (1) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of such assessment; and (2) implement the recommendations in the assessment that are in compliance with the laws administered by the Secretary. (d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary shall complete the implementation of such recommendations pursuant to subsection (c)(2) by not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary commences such implementation. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``FFRDC'' means a federally funded research and development center.”
“(a) Agreement.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with an FFRDC for an assessment of notices that the Secretary sends to claimants. (b) Assessment.--An FFRDC that enters to an agreement under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a written assessment of such notices. The assessment shall include the following: (1) The determination of the FFRDC, made in consultation with covered entities, whether each such notice may be feasibly altered to reduce paper consumption by, and costs to, the Federal Government. (2) The recommendations of the FFRDC regarding how the Secretary may make such notices clearer to claimants, better organized, and more concise.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1039) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1039 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act''. SEC. 2. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF NOTICES THAT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SENDS TO CLAIMANTS.”
“Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________”
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Norman). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 586, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.”
“This study would help uphold that sacred obligation. Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow veteran, Mr. LaLota, for his leadership on this bill on behalf of our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 586, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“Today, we are still learning about the full extent of the health risks these veterans faced, some of which weren't understood at the time. One risk may have come from something as simple and routine as eating local food during their deployment. Certain uncooked fish consumed in Southeast Asia are known to carry a parasite called a liver fluke. The parasite can cause infection and long-term scarring that may lead to bile duct cancer. This is a rare but serious illness here in the U.S. and one more commonly found in the region where our veterans served. This bill would require VA to study whether bile duct cancer is linked to service in Vietnam and whether this rare condition should be considered service-connected. One of VA's most important missions is to care for the injuries veterans sustain while they serve this country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 586, as amended, offered by Representative LaLota from New York, my friend and fellow veteran. Representative LaLota's bill would require VA to conduct a study and produce a report on the frequency of bile duct cancer for veterans who served in and around the Vietnam war. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that many Vietnam veterans suffered greatly in service to their country. Thousands of Vietnam veterans still live with invisible and visible wounds of war today. My own uncle is one of them. He served in Vietnam and, like so many others, suffered debilitating injuries from his service. Sadly, many never received the treatment or recognition they deserved when they came home.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 586, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“(c) Continued Tracking of Cholangiocarcinoma in Covered Veterans of the Vietnam Era.--The Secretary shall track the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in covered veterans of the Vietnam era using [[Page H1436]] the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry, and provide such information to Congress in follow-up reports submitted under subsection (b)(2). (d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``Vietnam era'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (2) The term ``covered veterans of the Vietnam era'' means veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITATION OF PENSION PAYMENTS. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``November 30, 2031'' and inserting ``December 31, 2031''.”
“(b) Reports to Congress.-- (1) Initial report.--Not later than one year after the completion of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing-- (A) the results of the study under subsection (a); and (B) recommendations for administrative or legislative actions required to address issues identified in the study under subsection (a). (2) Follow-up reports.--The Secretary shall periodically submit to the Congress a follow-up reports, as determined by the Secretary, to provide updates to the information included in the initial report under paragraph (1) and information collected pursuant to subsection (c).”
“The study shall include-- (1) an identification of the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in covered veterans of the Vietnam era and in residents of the United States, from the beginning of the Vietnam era to the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) for each of the groups specified in paragraph (1), an identification of the percentage of individuals with cholangiocarcinoma by various demographic characteristics, including by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and the geographic location of the patient at the time of diagnosis.”
“(a) Epidemiological Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services, shall commence an epidemiological study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in covered veterans of the Vietnam era, using data from the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry and the National Program of Cancer Registries.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 586) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 586 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act''. SEC. 2. STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA IN VETERANS WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM THEATER OF OPERATIONS DURING THE VIETNAM ERA.”
“Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________”
“The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1228. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.”
“Mr. Speaker, very clearly, I say to our veterans and the taxpayers that a partial claim bill would cure the problems that veterans are having with their home loans. If the ranking member and the other side of the aisle will work together with us, with the partial claim program, we can actually do that. By going down the path that he has just said--he says he is for the veterans. Apparently, he is only for the veterans today because the veterans of tomorrow will not have the program because it will break the bank. This is actually sensible. It is a way that we can do this. We can make sure our veterans are taken care of. We need to pass the bill that we were just discussing, which is H.R. 1228. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“Now, I am proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Ciscomani on behalf of the surviving families of our Nation's heroes, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1228. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“This decision to hide the Office of Survivors Assistance near the bottom of the VA organizational chart reflected the Biden-Harris administration's lack of commitment to the surviving loved ones of our veterans. During the Biden-Harris administration, the Office of Survivors Assistance did not have a direct line to the Secretary on the care, services, and benefits offered by the VA offices, including those outside the VBA's Pension and Fiduciary Services that they did in the original bill of 2008. Mr. Ciscomani's bill will correct the Biden-Harris administration's disservice to survivors and would ensure survivors have a seat at the table again. The current administration supports this bill and is therefore as committed as I am to ensuring that the needs of the veterans' surviving families are prioritized by the VA.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1228, offered by my friend and colleague Representative Ciscomani of Arizona. This bill would ensure that VA prioritizes its care, services, and benefits for surviving family members of veterans as much as VA does for veterans. This bill would do so by requiring that the VA Office of Survivors Assistance conducts its mission within the Office of the VA Secretary. In 2008, Congress created the Office of Survivors Assistance to serve as the Secretary's principal adviser and resource on all VA benefits and services for veterans' surviving loved ones. However, the Biden-Harris administration moved this office from the Secretary's office to the Veterans Benefits Administration Pension and Fiduciary Service.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1228. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1228) to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1228 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act''. [[Page H1434]] SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF ORGANIZATION OF THE OFFICE OF SURVIVORS ASSISTANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Section 321(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``in the Department'' and inserting ``in the Office of the Secretary''. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“Speaker, I encourage all of our colleagues to vote for that bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 983. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“Speaker, if the ranking member is so concerned about the veterans, I ask him and his side of the aisle why my Democratic colleagues haven't introduced a solution to aid veterans and still make sure that it actually deals with the veterans' problems, not just all of a sudden spends not only more money than they have to fix their problem, but creating a problem for other veterans because Democrats are going to drain this system. {time} 1630 Now, I welcome the ranking member and other colleagues on the other side of the aisle to cosponsor Mr. Van Orden's legislation and get it out of the House to the Senate. Instead of complaining, the ranking member should join us in this legislation. I, once again, encourage people to get back to the issue at hand and support the bill that we were debating before. Mr.”
“Therein lies the problem with our colleagues across the aisle. Rather than being wise and trying to fix it for the veterans and for the veterans in the future, Democrats instead do a political thing during an election year that ends up costing the taxpayers. I will say it again that veterans are taxpayers. This is why, under my leadership, House Republicans have a solution, the alarm on the Biden administration program and the risk it could bring to VA home loans. This is also why House Republicans have a solution in this problem, H.R. 1815, introduced by my friend, Representative Van Orden. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, once again, we are seeing fear-mongering from the other side of the aisle. VA's decision to phase out the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program, or VASP program, is an important step by the Trump administration. Last Congress, the Biden-Harris administration, during an election year, created VASP instead of implementing a partial-claim program. This decision added billions of dollars to the VA budget without any assurance to the taxpayer that this was a good decision. The average amount that a veteran had to pay back in their mortgage was less than $25,000. Instead of solving the problem, VA chose to purchase the entire loan, which, on average, was about $321,000. In no way does this make sense to solve a $25,000 problem with a $320,000 solution.”
“Speaker, I would remind everyone that the enemy does not care if you are a National Guardsman or -woman. They don't care if you are a selected reservist or Active Duty. They are simply aiming at the American flag on your shoulder. By passing this bill, we are going to ensure parity between the reservists and Active-Duty servicemembers. It is long due for a change, and I extend my personal gratitude to Mr. Tremelling for bringing this critical matter to my attention, and I thank Chairman Bost for his steadfast leadership and support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 983.”
“I am honored to represent the brave men and women serving at Fort McCoy and Volk Field, whose daily sacrifices safeguard our Nation and its values. My legislation will help veterans utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves by including them in the in-State tuition waiver that all other beneficiaries currently receive. These reservists face the same dangers and make identical sacrifices as our Active-Duty counterparts when deployed. Their courage and dedication deserve equal recognition. Mr. Speaker, of the last eight servicemembers killed in the line of duty, six of them were reservists, the two remaining being my fellow Navy SEALs, who were lost in the Red Sea. Their loss underscores the serious consequences of the decisions made by the previous administration. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden). Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 983, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025. This bill holds particular significance for me because the issue was first brought to my attention by one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Tremelling, a fellow veteran, during our Veterans Day listening session hosted last Congress. His voice, joined by countless other reservists and veterans, highlighted the urgent need for policy change, and this is precisely what this government [[Page H1433]] should be doing: listening to our constituents and acting on their needs.”
“I will place copies of this exchange in the Congressional Record during consideration of this legislation on the House floor. Sincerely, Mike Bost, Chairman.”
“983, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025. I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services over the subject matters contained in this bill or similar legislation in the future. In addition, I would support your request to have the Committee on Armed Services appropriately consulted on any issues in this bill or similar legislation that fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. I am grateful for your willingness to work with us in a collegial manner to move this legislation forward.”
“This is being done based on our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar bills. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the committee report or in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ______ April 7, 2025. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Rogers: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R.”
“Mike Bost, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Bost: H.R. 983, the ``Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025'', was referred primarily to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, with an additional referral to the Committee on Armed Services. H.R. 983 contains provisions within the Committee on Armed Services' Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee and to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Armed Services will forego action on the bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 983, offered by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden). This bill would reduce tuition costs for Montgomery GI Bill Selected reservists by making them eligible for the same in-State tuition waivers. When a veteran uses other education benefits offered by VA, they are able to receive an in-State tuition. It is time to include MGIB Selected Reserves as another benefit that uses in-State tuition. Last Congress, under the Republican majority, the House passed legislation that would streamline benefits and protect taxpayers. This bill would continue that mission in the 119th Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 983, and I reserve the balance of my time. April 1, 2025. Hon.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 983. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (e) of such section is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606 of title 10,'' after ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this title''; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``chapter 31 33, or 35 of this title'' and inserting ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 of title 10''; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``chapter 31 33, or 35 of this title'' and inserting ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 of title 10''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to an academic period that begins on or after August 1, 2026. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.”
“DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES OFFERED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING THAT DO NOT CHARGE VETERANS IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR PURPOSES OF SELECTED RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606 of title 10,'' after ``chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 of this title''; (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) An individual who is entitled to assistance under section 16131 of title 10.''; and (3) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606 of title 10'' before the period at the end.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 983) to Amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education offered by a public institution of higher learning that does not charge the in-State tuition rate to a veteran using certain educational assistance under title 10 of such Code, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 983 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025''. SEC. 2.”
“Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________”
“Mr. Speaker, at this time, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 981. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. [[Page H1432]]”
“Speaker, this legislation aligns perfectly with President Trump's mission to make the VA truly work for our veterans. I urge all Members to support H.R. 981.”
“If an institution cannot accurately estimate the tuition, they must explain exactly why, and this transparency ensures veterans aren't misled by inaccurate information, preventing unnecessary debt that they would accrue. The bill directs the VA to establish an online resource center, a centralized hub regularly updated to include all available training for school certifying officials, and this simple change provides essential flexibility for institutions, such as police academies and truck driving schools, ensuring that they can effectively support veterans and their families. At a time when this bureaucratic red tape has been strangling our veterans, when it has become a barrier rather than a bridge, I am proud to champion a bill that directly helps veterans reduce unnecessary government hurdles. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), who is the chief sponsor of the bill. Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, the Veterans Education Transparency and Training Act, or the VETT Act. This bill addresses critical barriers that veterans currently face with accessing educational benefits that they have earned through their dedicated service to our Nation. It helps ensure a smoother, more effective transition back into civilian life. Specifically, my legislation requires educational institutions to clearly provide estimated tuition costs to potential GI Bill students.”
“I do not support veterans having to choose a school based off of incorrect financial information. Without this fix, veterans are having to make a choice that could harm them financially in the future. This change is a commonsense addition to the Trump administration's mission to make VA work for veterans. Finally, this bill would also ensure that schools have a central place to find information to train their staff in charge of helping to make sure students and veterans understand. In a time when government is filled with bureaucratic red tape, I am happy that we, as a Republican majority, are making it easier for veterans to get an education. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 981, and I reserve the balance of my time.”