Van Orden’s VETT Act Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s (WI-03) Veterans Education Transparency and Training (VETT) Act passed the House. The VETT Act simplifies the process for veterans enrolling in higher education by modifying educational form requirements and establishing an online portal through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to serve as a comprehensive resource center for trainings available to veterans through School Certifying Officials (SCOs).
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Congressman Van Orden’s Floor remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am honored to be here today to speak on behalf of my legislation, H.R. 5914, The Veterans Education and Transparency Act, or the VETT Act.
This legislation addresses unnecessary barriers that veterans face while trying to access their educational benefits that they earned during their time of service, ensuring a more effective transition to civilian life.
One important provision of the VETT Act addresses a burdensome administrative requirement by revising the current mandate for individualized shopping sheets.
While well-intended to provide transparency, this requirement has become an administrative burden for many institutions that lack access to the most up-to-date information, resulting in the delayed delivery of education benefits for veterans, which is entirely unacceptable.
My legislation resolves this burden by ensuring that State Approving Agencies can only disapprove programs when schools fail to provide necessary forms "to the maximum extent possible."
This change offers the needed flexibility for institutions like police academies and truck driving schools, ensuring they can operate effectively while still safeguarding veterans and their families.
Additionally, the VETT Act introduces a centralized communication platform to enhance the dialogue between the Department of Veterans Affairs and School Certifying Officials.
This platform will resolve inconsistencies in guidance and interpretation, smoothing the pathway for veterans to receive their benefits without undue delay.
I am also happy to see the inclusion of my colleague from North Carolina’s provision that will aid our veterans seeking opportunities in the trucking industry.
By eliminating the unnecessary two-year wait to use GI benefits for commercial driving licenses, this provision opens up great-paying jobs to our veterans and aids in filling necessary roles in a sector that critically needs skilled professionals.
We need to get our servicemembers transitioned from productive members of the military to productive members of civilian life.
I urge my colleagues to support the swift passage of the VETT Act, a straightforward solution that cuts through red tape, enhances transparency, and provides our veterans with the swift and clear support they have earned.
Thank you, and with that, I yield back.
The VETT Act is supported by a number of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) including The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans Education Project, Special Operations Association of America, Student Veterans of America and the National Association of State Approving Agencies.
Click here to read the full bill text.