U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs

03/27/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/27/2023 11:53

House Republicans Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Successful Veterans’ Employment Program

House Republicans Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Successful Veterans' Employment Program

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), released the following statements after Rep. Ciscomani introduced H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act. Bipartisan legislation to make permanent the VET-TEC employment pilot program, which has an 64% job placement success rate in helping thousands of veterans gain computer experience to start or advance their career in the technology industry.

"As the tech industry continues to boom, more and more Americans are seeking high-paying jobs in the technology sector. House Republicans took a risk when we created the VET-TEC pilot program in 2017 to help veterans gain access to the skills needed to be hired by these companies," said Chairman Bost. "Since then, VET-TEC has trained thousands of veterans for jobs in the tech industry with an 84% graduation rate. Simply put, this job training program helps veterans - and their families - live out the American Dream. I'm grateful to Rep. Ciscomani for his leadership to make improvements to the VET-TEC program and make it permanent. I look forward to passing this vitally important bill out of the House as soon as possible."

"Arming our nation's heroes with technological skills they can use after they transition to the civilian sector is one of the most beneficial ways we can repay our profound debt of gratitude for their service," said Speaker McCarthy. "As the sponsor of the original VET-TEC Act signed into law in 2017, I am pleased to see continued bipartisan support for this program, and I commend Representatives Ciscomani and Khanna for their shared commitment to helping our servicemembers prepare for our nation's workforce."

"The VET-TEC training program has empowered thousands of our veterans in their transition from the battlefield to the workforce," said Rep. Ciscomani. "Not only does it create highly skilled workers for a rapidly changing industry, but it gives our veterans the dignity of a successful, fulfilling career. By providing permanent authorization for this program, we are creating this same opportunity for thousands of more veterans to come."

To learn more about H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act, click here. Bill text can be found here.