▶ 0:26:33Good afternoon everyone. Subcommittee will come to order and uh I welcome the witness and subcommittee members to today's hearing and uh the other members of the subcommittee. I'm standing in for Chairman Van Ordinance. He's dealing with a personal family issue today and um look forward to giving him a report of how today's committee went.
▶ 0:26:52Um as he has said many times and all of you have heard uh we operate this subcommittee and the VA committee in whole with the ultimate goal of improving opportunities for those who have served our country and doing that in a nonpartisan fashion in a collaborative way. And I'm excited to work with the minority today and how we can move the agenda forward in that effort. Um, and this legislative hearing will continue in that spirit of bipartisanship.
▶ 0:27:15Uh, we hold legislative hearings to learn from VA and other stakeholders about their views on the bills that we are proposing and to ensure members are making informed decisions when we do or do not mark them up later in the process. We value this insight provided by these folks with the witness testimony that we have before us today. Unfortunately though, the comm committee did not receive the VA or Department of Labor testimony until less than 24 hours before this hearing started.
▶ 0:27:43And you know, to me, we want to work collaboratively with these agencies in a way that ultimately achieves the best benefit for our veterans. And it's really my expectation and that of Chairman Van Orton to make sure that we can do that effectively. And it's my hope and really my request from you today that you can furnish that uh that legislative testimony to us ahead of time so that we can have a deeper and better insight into it ahead of time. Uh it's my hope that it's the last time that we receive late testimony in order to ensure that we are providing the best economic opportunities and support for our veterans.
▶ 0:28:14We have 12 important legislative proposals to consider here today. It's important to note that not all of the proposals we discuss will move forward in the legislative process, but it's important to have them take testimony on these bills. A number of these bills seek to improve education programs, accessibility to VA benefits, and VA's home loan program. I specifically want to highlight my own bill on the agenda.
▶ 0:28:37My bill HR7083, the Cruise Act, would require the VA to develop a plan and centralize all payment for adaptive automobile equipment uh program. the AAE program. This would help eliminate the bureaucratic barriers of each individual hospital making their own payments directly to the AAE dealers and instead move it to a central VA office. By doing so, this bill would streamline the process of paying these providers with the intent of ensuring the providers get paid sooner and more efficiently.
▶ 0:29:05We've heard of instances where there are delays in the hundreds of days in paying these providers. There have been continued payment delays from VA. And in certain parts of the country, there are 22 adaptive automotive invoices that are over a thousand days late for their payments. That's years in backlog. That's unacceptable. And my bill would get to work at addressing these delays, cutting out the red tape, and ensuring providers get paid for their valuable work, all the while getting disabled veterans the service that they deserve.
▶ 0:29:35My bill would also hold VA accountable for making these payments to AE providers in a timely manner by requiring the VA to publish the exact number of days that each payment takes that exceeds 30 days. If we don't fix this, we risk losing good providers who help our veterans get the adaptive vehicles that they need. Many of these are, of course, beyond the uh reach of veterans otherwise if we don't have the VA step up and do this.
▶ 0:30:02and these are benefits that they've earned due to injuries they've sustained while serving our country. We can't let the bureaucracy get in the way of providing these benefits. If this continues, veterans will have less provider options available to them because they won't see the VA as a good faith partner in that effort. Additional bills that we will consider would address modernizations and improvements to workforce, the TAP program, the VA home loan program, and the GI bill.
▶ 0:30:26I have reservations about some of the proposals on the agenda today and the witness testimony and questions from members will hopefully address some of these issues so we can make informed decisions about whether to move these bills forward in the legislative process. And I come to them with an open mind. Just because we have bills on the legislative hearing does not necessarily guarantee that we can advance them through the markup process due to policy or cost concerns or other things that may arise through testimony today.
▶ 0:30:50We look forward to hearing from the members who have introduced these proposals as well as our witnesses on how we can continue to improve these bills and better the lives of our veterans. And with that, I will yield to the ranking member for his testimony and opening remarks. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'll get right to the point. I know our time's limited here today. First off, I would just like to express disappointment that we don't have a witness from the Department of Defense joining us here today to understand the legislation before us. But on the other hand, I'm glad to welcome someone from the Department of Labor.
▶ 0:31:19Uh I'm glad that we have uh veteran employment training services uh assistant secretary confirmed and I want to welcome you Mr. Workman to the subcommittee and thank you for being here. I know we're going to have members joining from off the committee today uh to help us understand their legislation and work together on bipartisan solutions that will help our nation's veterans and I'm really glad to see that. I want to highlight a few of these bills. One is Mr. Riley's bill to address issues that we saw during the recent government shutdown around expiring authorizations in the VA's housing and security programs.
▶ 0:31:49The chairman and I have spoken many times on the realities of affordable housing in our districts and across the country. We have also highlighted addressing homelessness as among the top priorities for this subcommittee and here's an opportunity to do just that. I'll also note that Miss Mlan Delane's bill on improvements to the service member civil relief act, Mr. Manion's bill prohibiting the withholding of student veterans transcripts and Mr. Whitesides bill to improve reporting from the VA home loan program are all expected to be costneutral. So I hope to see them move through the subcommittee and to the full committee markup quickly.
▶ 0:32:19As for other legislation before the committee today, I hope that the chairman will work with our staff to make improvements to bills that move forward to a future markup. While I think that the authors are all well-intentioned, the proposed changes to the transition assistance program as well as modifications to grant employment and apprenticeship programs may require some larger structural changes to achieve the desired effects and prevent unintended consequences.
▶ 0:32:41I support the intent of the Vette program, now known as the high technology program, and it's critical that we first address the under 50% employment rate for graduates of the program before we add anything to it. We can't keep throwing taxpayer dollars at well-intentioned but underperforming programs. Spec uh speaking specifically to the Cruise Act, I think it's unfortunate how late the VA's testimony was submitted, and I don't believe that VA has a witness here that can directly speak to that problem.
▶ 0:33:07I understand that the status quo is untenable for the dealerships, and I have concerns that this pill fails to hit the mark, especially given that it doesn't provide additional staff or funding to help process the claims, which will only make delays worse. So, I'm committed to getting a bipartisan solution in coordination with stakeholders, but I have concerns in terms of how the bill has been drafted. After today's hearing, as we move forward to the markups and subcommittee and full committee uh at both levels, I ask the chairman to continue working with us to find and focus on areas where we agree.
▶ 0:33:34This committee has a great tradition of bipartisan work, and we've got to reinforce it with action year in and year out. While the traditionally agreed upon ratio of majority to minority bills brought forward in legislative hearings for this Congress is still slightly out of balance, I trust that the chairman will remedy this in future hearings. So I yield back, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Thank you, Ranking Member Papis.
▶ 0:33:54Uh I ask unanimous consent that Representative Valado from California, Representative Whitesides from California, Representative Keane from New Jersey, Representative Kiggins from Virginia, and Representative Nun from Iowa be permitted to participate in today's subcommittee hearing. Without objection, that is so ordered. I recognize Representative Valadeo for three minutes.
▶ 0:34:13Thank you, Chairman Barrett and Ranking Member Papus for uh and all members of the subcommittee for your time today. After serving our nation, veterans deserve timely access to quality care, especially when they're facing homelessness and mental health challenges. Too often, veterans slip through the cracks, not because help doesn't exist, but because the system isn't working the way it should. It's why I was proud to introduce the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act.
▶ 0:34:38This bill is about accountability, coordination, and making sure vulnerable veterans are connected with every VA service created to help them readjust to civilian life. A recent Inspector General report uncovered the serious gaps in how the VA documents, assessments, and shares critical information across the programs. When assessments aren't completed or recorded properly, veterans miss out on services, housing options, and critical follow-up care that could mean the difference between life and death.
▶ 0:35:07And this is un My bill requires the VA to conduct a comprehensive assessment within 3 days of identifying a veteran in need, evaluate immediate and long-term health needs, identify appropriate housing options, and ensure the information is included in the veterans electronic health record so nothing gets lost. Roughly one in 10 veterans experience homelessness after serving and seek help from the VA. And we owe it to them to ensure the system works properly.
▶ 0:35:36they can access the service and that they can access the services they need. This bill is a reasonable step to strengthen coordination and accountability and I urge all members of the committee to support it. Thank you and I yield back.
▶ 0:35:49Thank you, Mr. Valdeo. Yields. Uh now recognize Representative Whitesides for three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to speak today in support of my legislation to strengthen transparency and oversight of the VA home loan program. For generations, this program has been one of the most effective tools we have to help veterans achieve home ownership and stay housed during times of financial hardship.
▶ 0:36:12It's a promise we make to those who served that their that who served that their sacrifice will be met with opportunity and stability when they return home. But a promise only works if the system behind it is healthy. In recent years, changing market conditions and a policy shifts have raised real concerns among veterans service organizations, housing experts, and lawmakers about the long-term stability of the VA home loan program.
▶ 0:36:35We've heard warnings about increased financial stress among veteran borrowers, and questions about whether the program is equipped to withstand future economic shocks. Right now, Congress and the public do not have consistent, detailed data to fully understand how the program is performing. that makes it harder to spot problems early on and harder to act before veterans are put at risk. My bill is a straightforward good governance solution. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to publish regular public reports on the health and performance of the VA home loan program.
▶ 0:37:06These reports would track how many loans are being issued, denied, and refinanced, and provide insight into staffing levels at the VA home loan office so we can ensure the program has the capacity it needs to serve veterans effectively. This is about making sure government systems designed to support veterans actually work. I firmly believe that good data leads to good policy. With better information, Congress can conduct stronger oversight, stakeholders can identify issues earlier, and the VA can respond more quickly when veterans begin to experience financial stress.
▶ 0:37:36Most importantly, this bill helps protect the long-term solveny of the program so that it remains available for future generations of veterans, not just those who served today. Preventing veteran housing insecurity should be a shared priority across the committee as I know it is. Transparency is one of the most effective tools we have to do that. I'm grateful uh to ranking member Takano for his partnership and leadership on this issue and I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that this program remains strong, accountable, and worthy of the veterans it serves.
▶ 0:38:06Thank you, and I yield back.
▶ 0:38:09Thank you. Gentleman yields. Uh Rep. Uh Representative Keane, you're recognized for three minutes.
▶ 0:38:13Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to speak before the Veterans Affairs Committee today in support of the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act, a bill that I introduced with Congressman McGarvey. I come from a state of New Jersey, proud home to over 400,000 veterans. Whether at Pikatini Arsenal in my district or military bases throughout the our state, America's armed forces serve faithfully throughout New Jersey and the world.
▶ 0:38:43Our veterans have given so much to serve our country and so I am dedicated to ensuring that they receive the benefits that they deserve. Today we have a chance to move forward a bill that provide veterans with the flexibility to pursue education at their own pace. The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act expedites the flight training process for veterans by removing the one-year requirement for accessing their GI Bill benefits.
▶ 0:39:14Flight training timelines often look different than traditional education programs. This means costs are accured at diff at a different rate. Our veterans benefits should reflect this. The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act ensures veterans can complete their flight training on a timeline that makes sense for their program without having to pay costly out-ofpocket tuition fees.
▶ 0:39:42I am proud to stand with our veterans to ensure that they receive their education benefits on a timeline that supports their chosen course of study. This bill honors our veterans by helping them launch successful aviation careers after serving in our nation's military. I thank this committee for their consideration of my bill and I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation. Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:40:09Thank you. Um I ask unanimous consent that Representative Manion from New York be permitted to participate in today's subcommittee hearing without objection. So ordered. represent Manning, you're recognized for three minutes.
▶ 0:40:24Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, I appreciate the opportunity to speak today in support of my bill, the end transcript withholding for veterans act. And I'd also like to thank my colleague, Representative Molen, for co-leading this effort with me. This common sense legislation would close the gap in federal law that has unfairly denied veterans access to the educational benefits that they've earned.
▶ 0:40:50For too long, colleges and universities have been permitted to withhold transcripts from students as a debt collection tactic. For many students, this puts a hold on their careers or prevents them from furthering their education. What's also troubling is that in many cases, these debts are the result of billing errors or disputed balances. And yet, student veterans are left in limbo for no fault of their own.
▶ 0:41:15Student veterans often pursue their education in non-traditional ways, balancing academic responsibilities alongside raising families and building careers. If you don't have access to your academic records, it's much harder to secure employment and pay back the debts that triggered the withholding in the first place.
▶ 0:41:35In 2024, the Department of Education took an important step in addressing this issue by prohibiting colleges from withholding academic transcripts for coursework paid for with Title 4 financial aid. However, Title 4 aid is separate from the educational benefits provided under the post 911 GI Bill, and as a result, current law allows veterans to be excluded from these protections. My bill would correct this inequity and provide parody.
▶ 0:42:03No veteran who has served this country should face these unnecessary barriers to opportunity. In the district I represent, Syracuse, Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley, our institutions of higher education serve our military connected students and veterans exceptionally well, and I'm proud to stand behind that mission. I thank the members of this subcommittee for considering my bill and for having me here today. I kindly ask for your support in passing this legislation and looking out for our student veterans.
▶ 0:42:33I yield back.
▶ 0:42:35Thank you. Gentleman yields. Recognize Representative Kiggins for three minutes. Go ahead.
▶ 0:42:39Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the Economic Opportunities Subcommittee for having me here today to discuss my bill, the Veterans Energy Transition Act, also known as the VET Act. I introduced this bill to help our nation's service members transition into meaningful, sustainable careers in the fast growing energy sector. It's very simple. We know that we need more energy and energy producers, and our veterans need jobs. So, it's a great a great marriage for sure.
▶ 0:43:04When service members transition out of the military, it can be challenging to find a mission-driven career beyond the service, and that can make this period difficult for them. My district is home to thousands of these transitioning veterans, as well as a booming energy sector. Virginia has an all the- above energy approach, which we embrace and encourage veterans to be an important part of that. Energy companies continue to choose Virginia as their home base, and our nation's veterans are uniquely qualified for many of these jobs.
▶ 0:43:30While our national energy demand continues to steadily increase around the country, we must maintain a reliable workforce that secures our energy dominance on the world stage. The VET Act creates a hiring pathway for veterans through a grant program to assist separating members of the armed forces and their spouses in obtaining employment in the energy industry, an industry that's vital to our nation's future and economy. At its core, this legislation recognizes something many of us already know.
▶ 0:43:56When our service members complete their service to our nation, their dedication and skills don't end. They simply need a new pathway. The VET Act is a practical, targeted step towards helping those who have served our country find stable careers and contribute to our national energy goals. It bridges military experience with civilian opportunity, supports families, and strengthens our workforce. I urge thoughtful consideration and bipartisan support for this bill and its goal of honoring service with meaningful opportunity. Thank you, and I yield back. Thank you.
▶ 0:44:27Uh, Representative Dunn, you're now recognized for three minutes.
▶ 0:44:31I want to thank both the chair and the ranking member on the good bipartisan work we are all trying to do to help our veterans. I'm proud today to be joining and advocating for HR2878, the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Service Members Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act. The US is leading on a new era of foreign policy. One where our sons and daughters are called to serve and defend our great nation.
▶ 0:44:58Where we have invested in their safety, in their families, and in their economic well-being with one of the greatest payraises ever, we also must invest on their health when they return from the battlefield. Last month, I joined my fellow Ians as well as President Trump at Dover Air Force Base to receive the remains of two Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed defending this country in Syria. Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, who was from my district.
▶ 0:45:28And while I attended their funerals, I also saw other warriors who came home and bore scars not seen to the human eye. It is never easy to lose a warrior on the field, but it is equally devastating to lose a warrior on the home front. I'm here today not just as a US congressman, but like many of you, as a veteran, 20 years of combat service, and as a commander, I watch my own airmen endure the struggles that come with postservice life.
▶ 0:45:54I carry the message of those who cannot be here to speak on their behalf today because veteran suicide rates still rank as some of the highest reasons for veteran death. Specifically, I speak today in honor of Corporal Adam Lambert, a proud Marine from Adel, Iowa. He loved his family. His family loved him. Adam put others before himself, his friends, family, and our country. Adam bravely served our country in the Marines. He deployed Okinawa and in Afghanistan.
▶ 0:46:21And during boot camp, Adam met a fellow Marine named Daniel Harvey. He was from Rhode Island. They became friends and they stayed connected throughout their entire career in the US Marine Corps. But at just 22 years old, Daniel died by suicide. He had just left the Marines. Adam, his friend, followed him less than a month later. Adam was a friend. He was a beloved son and he was a brother.
▶ 0:46:48Unfortunately, their stories are all too common for our service members when they come home from duty. To address this, I'm proud to be working with this committee as we introduce HR2778. The Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Service Members Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act will work with our transition assistance program to ensure transitioning vets are aware of both their mental health services that are available to them and help them provide access to the resources they deserve.
▶ 0:47:16With the help of this committee and advocates like all of you in this room, we can and should and will save others like Daniel and Adam. Thank you to all the witnesses who are here today and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this very important hearing. I yield.
▶ 0:47:30Thank you. Appreciate your testimony. Uh I now recognize Representative Hammed for three minutes.
▶ 0:47:36Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My bill, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities Veterans Act, isn't just another workforce bill. It's a national security imperative with Arizona's fingerprints all over it. Since 2020, America has seen over $600 billion in private semiconductor investment announced across 28 states. That means more than 500,000 American jobs. Artificial intelligence is a booming emerging tech sector of the economy.
▶ 0:48:04But the problem is we don't have enough workers trained to fill them. But we do have enough veterans. In my own district, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, TSMC, is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the local economy, which will amount to thousands of jobs. And it is a critical piece of President Trump's mission to end our reliance on foreign chips, especially from adversaries like Communist China.
▶ 0:48:28In every meeting with TSMC, I've prioritized veterans, and they've assured me that they are in the process of creating a robust veteran program. Right now, the VA could do more to connect veterans with these opportunities, and private industry should could move faster to implement the veteran hiring and training programs they have promised. My bill fixes that.
▶ 0:48:47It requires the VA to partner with industry leaders, educational institutions, and nonprofits to identify high demand emerging tech jobs like semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Then, it mandates the VA put that information front and center during transition assistance. and on the VA website.
▶ 0:49:07It also creates an expedited 90day approval process for courses of education that train veterans for these positions because we can't afford bureaucratic delays when national security and veteran opportunities are on the line. Now, I served as an Army intelligence officer. I know the discipline, the technical aptitude, and the mission focus our service members bring to every task. These men and women are exactly the type of people the semiconductor industry needs. I urge my colleagues to support this legis legislation.
▶ 0:49:35Our veterans deserve a path to high-paying, high impact careers that also serve our national security interest. Thank you and I yield back.
▶ 0:49:43Thank you, Representative Holidayiday. I'll now introduce our witness panel. Our first witness, Mr. Kenneth Smith, acting executive director, education services at the Department of Veteran Mr. Smith is accompanied by Miss Chantiel Stovald, acting executive director of veteran readiness and employment services within the Veteran Affairs Administration at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Our final witness is Mr. Jeremiah Workman, ACT, Assistant Secretary of Veterans Employment and Training Service at the Department of Labor.
▶ 0:50:13Um, I ask witnesses on our first panel please stand and raise your right Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to provide is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the Thank you. Let the record reflect that the witnesses have answered in the affirmative. I ask the witness and members today to respect our five-minute rule due to the uh votes that we have pending on the floor. Mr. Smith, you are now recognized for five minutes to deliver your testimony on behalf of the Department of VA.
▶ 0:50:41Thank you, Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Papus, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to present our views on bills affecting VA's programs and benefits. Joining me today is Michan Thiel Stoval, acting executive director of Veteran Readiness and Employment Service. Before we begin, I'd like to apologize on behalf of VA for the delay in providing testimony due to the committee. VA continues to work on process improvements internally and externally to prevent future delays.
▶ 0:51:12Additionally, our VHA partners are not able to attend today's hearing and unfortunately I will be unable to speak on the improving mental health care and coordination of homeless veterans act and the elimination of maximum authorizations of appropriations for certain benefits for homeless veterans and making permanent the authority to carry out certain programs for homeless veterans. I will be taking those questions for the record. VA is happy to offer support for several bills.
▶ 0:51:41However, others we support the bills but have concerns with the language as written. VA supports the intent of HR 982, Warriors to Workforce Act. However, we are still assessing the budgetary impacts of the bill. The bill would increase the amount of monthly housing allowance paid to individuals pursuing a full-time apprenticeship or on the job training under chapter 33 from 80% to 90% during the second six-month period of the program.
▶ 0:52:09This change will make OJT and apprenticeship programs more desirable for our beneficiaries. VA supports the intent with amendments of the improving emergencies emerging tech opportunities for veterans act which would require VA to partner with critical stakeholders to identify specific types of indust industries and positions that as a result of emerging technologies are likely to have high employment and growth potential for individuals.
▶ 0:52:35We are especially supportive of the provision requiring collaboration with the Department of Labor as VA already collaborates with DA and believes this existing partnership can be leveraged to meet the bill's objectives. VA could not offer its support for a few of the bills.
▶ 0:52:51For instance, VA opposes HR 5634, the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025, as this bill would establish a $100,000 maximum total amount payable under chapter 33 for flight training fees for individuals prefer pursuing flight training programs offered by a public institution of higher learning.
▶ 0:53:14VA supports expanding flight training opportunities at flight schools for veterans and their dependents, but this bill does the opposite by placing an arbitrary limit on amounts payable. VA cites concerns with the Affordable Housing Guarantee Act to increase maximum home loan guarantee amount because VA has no evidence that there is a market need for such a change.
▶ 0:53:36VA agrees to work with Congress to make housing more affordable, but has concerns with unintended risks to taxpayers, veterans, and VA through an increase in the guarantee amount. VA also cites concerns with the home loan quarterly reports bill and commits to provide additional information to Congress and the public without statutory requirement. Finally, for other bills, we must defer to other organizations as they fall outside VA's purview.
▶ 0:54:05We support all efforts to eliminate veteran suicide as intended by HR2878, the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Service Member Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, but must defer to the Department of War on matters involving pre-eparation counseling. VA specifically addresses mental health to include PTSD and suicide prevention in its mandatory TAP module on VA benefits and services and in military life cycle modules.
▶ 0:54:34VA will work with the committee on language to strengthen those services. VA also defers HR 3159 improving benefit utilization act to the department of warp. Last, we defer to the Department of Education HR5436, which prohibits an educational institution from withholding the transcript of an individual who attended a course or program using post 911 GI Bill benefits solely because the individual owes a debt to the
▶ 0:55:04This concludes my statement. We'd be happy to answer any questions you or the members of the subcommittee may have.
▶ 0:55:12Thank you. Um, Mr. Smith, written statement of Mr. Smith will be entered into the hearing record. Uh, Mr. Workman, you're now recognized for five minutes to your testimony behalf of the Department of Labor.
▶ 0:55:22Thank you, [clears throat] Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Papis, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify at today's legislative hearing. The mission of the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service is to prepare America's service members, veterans, and military spouses for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and expertise, protect their employment rights, and promote their employment opportunities.
▶ 0:55:53As a retired staff sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, a combat veteran, Navy Cross recipient, and a tireless advocate for veterans, I am honored and humbled to serve as assistant secretary of veterans employment and training service. While I've only been in my agency for less than a month, I'm impressed by its dedication to our mission.
▶ 0:56:15President Donald Trump has demonstrated his unrelenting support for our military veterans and military spouses, placing a renewed national focus on honoring their service and expanding their opportunities after they leave the uniform behind. We owe our internal thanks to those who have served our country. That is why I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with Congress to continuously improve our programs.
▶ 0:56:41The Warriors to Workforce Act would increase GI Bill monthly housing allowance benefits for apprenticeships and on the job training programs which are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Labor supports this bill. Registered apprenticeships are a highly effective pathway to develop in demand skills while also earning a paycheck from day one.
▶ 0:57:04Registered apprenticeships train workers for careers using a structured combination of paid on the job training and related instruction. In April of 2025, President Trump signed an executive order on preparing Americans for high-paying, skilled trade jobs of the future, which established that it is the policy of the United States to optimize and target federal investments in workforce development to align with our country's re-industrialization needs
▶ 0:57:35and equip American workers to fill the growing demand for skilled trades and other In the executive order, the president set the goal of at least 1 million new active apprentices nationwide. This goal is closely aligned with current labor market demand. Skilled trade jobs are facing a significant labor shortage leading to increased demand for qualified workers.
▶ 0:57:59In alignment with the president's priorities and the growing demand for highly skilled trade jobs, it is my hope that we can continue to expand veteran participation and registered apprenticeship programs. Separately, a draft bill would, among other provisions, eliminate the maximum authorizations of appropriations for the Department of Labor administered homeless veterans reintegration program. The Department of Labor supports this bill if amended.
▶ 0:58:27The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive employment for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. so that they can reach their full employment potential and high quality career outcomes. The program fosters self-sufficiency through employment and also holds grantees to high standards of accountability and effectiveness with proven results.
▶ 0:58:56The department strongly supports this program and shares Congress's commitment to improving outcomes for veterans experiencing However, we do have some budget concerns which are detailed in my written testimony. Finally, the Veterans Energy Transition Act would establish a new 60 million per year grant program administered by the Department of Labor to assist members of the armed forces who are transitioning to civilian employment, veterans, and their spouses to obtain employment in the energy industry.
▶ 0:59:27We have concerns with how the program is structured as detailed in my written testimony. We look forward to working with the committee on alternative approaches that advance our shared goal of helping transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses connect to jobs in the energy sector. Mr. Chairman, ranking member, distinguished members of the subcommittee, this concludes my statement. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this hearing and I welcome your questions. Thank you.
▶ 0:59:57Thank you, Mr. Workman. Written statement of Mr. workman will be entered into the hearing record and we'll now proceed to questioning. I ask members and witnesses again to respect the fivem minute rule as we have votes on the floor coming up. I recognize myself for five minutes. Um uh Mr. Smith, uh beginning with you, um obviously you can surmise I've taken a bit of an interest in my bill about centralizing payments for these adaptive equipment vehicles.
▶ 1:00:21Can you tell me in your own estimation what is the appropriate amount of time that should be allowed for a vendor to receive payment under this program? Uh thank you for the question and uh I I would like to say first off uh I'm not sure uh one of our concerns is whether this applies to the auto grant which is a new purchase of a new vehicle a one-time grant for $27,000 or whether it is the
▶ 1:00:51continuous benefit and eligibility for modify an existing um uh vehicle for adaptive equipment. Um I do agree that um prompt payment act requirements for 30 days is reasonable from the time that we know that there is eligibility to issue payment. Um and I do understand that we are working hard on that auto and adaptive equipment side.
▶ 1:01:16uh on the automobile grant, so the one-time grant, uh there could be a potential eligibility cycle uh involving a disability claims decision if the veteran has not already been adjudicated eligible uh based on um loss or loss of use of uh uh extremities or uh central visual acuity.
▶ 1:01:38And so I appreciate some of the detail there, but 30 days prompt payment requirement is the standard that we're going for that we're trying to achieve. And I I think you would agree agree with me that we've fallen short of that um expectation. And we have instances um we have one provider with over 9 million in overdue payments that haven't come through. Um we've recently heard that some providers are withholding adaptive automobiles.
▶ 1:02:07are literally withdrawing from the program because they don't have confidence that they're going to get timely payment from the VA. Uh you heard in my opening remarks that we've heard of instances literally, you know, more than two years in a rears for a particular provider. Now, I will fully grant that there's going to be truly exceptional circumstances where maybe a claim was filed and it hasn't been adjudicated or it's under appeal.
▶ 1:02:31And you know, there are going to be instances of that happening, but not in the numbers that we are seeing from these providers. And my severe concern with that is that we are going to enter a situation where veterans aren't able to find a provider that will do this work because they don't see the VA as a good a good partner in that.
▶ 1:02:52And if the end result is that fewer veterans are able to access adaptive equipment, then we aren't making good on the effort we have in in our country and through the work that you do in the VA to make sure that they are made whole to the extent that we can for the sacrifices they've made. I mean, these are people that have substantial injury that they've sustained to even qualify for this benefit to begin with. Um, I know that we have payments that are more than 200 days late. 42 claims we're aware of that are over 500 days late.
▶ 1:03:22You know, that's well over a year in time. Uh, the length of time for providers to receive payments seems excessively long and seems to be a chronic issue uh especially considering that they must uh front the cost when supplying these vehicles to veterans. So, they're not only out the money, but they're also out the equipment that they could have sold to another customer if they if they had them still available.
▶ 1:03:44Um, so assuming we can work through some of your concerns and I'd like to get a little bit more color to the to the I know you gave some, you know, asked for some consideration of amendments. I'd be curious to know kind of what you would like those to be and how we can work together to get there. But to me, we've got different VA facilities remitting payment at vastly different times, and it can't just be a situation um where, you know, there's a a unique circumstance.
▶ 1:04:14That wouldn't be the case in the chronically overdue payments in certain areas. So, if you can walk us through some of what your considerations of amendments are, we'd love to take them under advisement from you.
▶ 1:04:26Thank you. Um I I won't try to give you everything. uh and would certainly like to enlist support from my compensation um colleagues uh for policies and procedures. Um I I can say that um I did look to see how many pending auto allowance grants are uh sitting with our team right now and it's approximately 195.
▶ 1:04:50Now, this is just that uh decision for an initial automobile one-time grant uh that's equal to $27,74.99. Our um average days to complete last month was 75 days. Now, there are going to be outliers. That's an average. We recognize that and would certainly work to make that better. Uh but that's also um in a bucket of work uh that is assigned to our benefits eligibility support teams.
▶ 1:05:20um uh who are working right now through an inventory of about 900,000 adjustments to dependency and other miscellaneous adjustments such as drill pay adjustments and other things. So there's a good bit of work um specifically if we would um pull this out for specific prioritization we would need resource identification um for that specific assignment of work.
▶ 1:05:45Um and then we can certainly work to assign that work to um that that workforce to achieve the outcomes.
▶ 1:05:53Okay. Thank you and look forward to working with you more on that. I would just further stipulate that 70 some days is more than twice the intended target of 30 days. Um but I appreciate some of that um background. U I recognize rank member Papis for 5 minutes.
▶ 1:06:09Thanks Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith if I can start with you. I know we don't have a representative here uh specifically from the homelessness program office today, but I just want to start with a question related to HR7149. That's the veteran housing promise act. I saw that VA's legislative proposals for the fiscal year included making the healthcare for homeless veterans program permanent. And I think we should all agree that the other housing and security programs like SSVF and grant perdeium are just as important as the healthcare for homeless veterans.
▶ 1:06:36So, as noted in your written testimony, it's hard for providers in SSVF and GPD to plan with the funding and authorizations in the air every year. So, uh, should Congress permanently authorize those programs like the proposal for the healthcare for homeless veterans?
▶ 1:06:53Uh, thank you for the question. As I said in my opening, I'll have to take all of those questions for the record. However, I I will add that, you know, VA certainly supports efforts to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness are properly assessed and cared for. Well, thanks for taking that for the record. We look forward to the response. Um, also for you, Mr. Smith, and in the written testimony, VA deferred to the Department of Education regarding HR 5436 and transcript withholding.
▶ 1:07:19So, I wanted to ask you directly, should student veterans receive the same protections against schools withholding transcripts as their peers receiving title 4 uh funds through the Department of Education as proposed in Mr. Manion's
▶ 1:07:32We are certainly interested in um protections for our GI Bill vet veteran students. Uh but we have to defer to the Department of Education because uh transcript provisioning is in their
▶ 1:07:44So, VA won't provide any additional comment on that.
▶ 1:07:47No sir. Okay. Um, I want to move to another bill, uh, HR 2878. I saw that you didn't address the department's stance on tasking the Solid Start program with assisting eligible veterans in enrolling with, uh, with VHA, and I could see that being a difficult process over the phone. So, would it make more sense just to automate the process and enroll all eligible service members during their transition process as outlined in the EVEst Act? That way, we're not playing catch-up, but it's systematized and
▶ 1:08:16Um, thank you for the question. My understanding uh that in the taps uh benefits module there is an interactive discussion with um service members and they're offered the opportunity to complete that 1010 easy form. Uh if they defer they're provided information for a leazison to assist them at a later time.
▶ 1:08:36Well, thanks for that. I mean, you know, making things as easy as possible for the for the end user, for the veteran, for the transitioning service member should be everyone's goal. Um, in written testimony, uh, the discussion draft regarding the VA home loan program reporting requirements, which is now I'm just having a hard time sympathizing with the idea that the reporting would be too burdensome in that case. Um, I compare the proposed requirements to other government home loan programs, and this proposal is nowhere near as detailed or as burdensome.
▶ 1:09:06Um, VA has all that data already. It would just be to publish it quarterly rather than annually. So, am I missing something here? Is there a reason that the department feels differently uh about this as opposed to other reporting
▶ 1:09:20Uh we believe that we can provide that information to Congress uh without a statutory requirement uh and look forward to working with you on uh the definitions and the specific data points that you'd like to see. As you mentioned, we already publish a lot of data uh annually. In addition, we provide uh quarterly reporting uh on lender data under PL15174.
▶ 1:09:44Uh and note that the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council uh publishes uh data and reports on institutions under the Home and Mortgage Disclosure Act. Well, thanks for that. I I know there are a number of uh data reporting requirements for schools for the Home Loan Program Office. Um, we asked for significant amount of data from lenders and they often complain about the amount of requirements but they comply and I think that we're not asking for too much here.
▶ 1:10:12Um, maybe I could just ask you one more uh question. Uh, this is around adding the emerging technology to the high technology uh, Vette program. Um, and the current statute defines high technology as computer programming, computer software, media application, data processing, information sciences. So is there anything in the current statute that would prevent uh artificial intelligence or semiconductor programs from participating in the high technology program?
▶ 1:10:37Is this just to give it extra emphasis or is there any sort of change that this would uh actually allow uh new programs in?
▶ 1:10:44My understanding is that artificial intelligence would be covered um as a software product um under the existing authority. Uh however, the addition of semifonductor manufacturing would be an addition that would be um new as authorized by this act. Okay, appreciate the responses. Thanks for being here and I yield back.
▶ 1:11:04Thank you. The ranking member yields repres you are recognized for five
▶ 1:11:09Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Smith, thank you for being here today and thank you for the VA support of my bill, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act. I appreciate the department's commitment to getting this right. I look forward to working with you. In your testimony, you note that the VA already collaborates with the Department of Labor on identifying high and demand occupations. Can you walk the subcommittee through step by step how this bill would strengthen and formalize that partnership?
▶ 1:11:36Um I I would like to say that uh we would continue to leverage our our meetings with the Department of Labor uh to discuss industry specific needs uh and then provide targeted outreach uh for use of GI Bill benefits programs under the the Vette program.
▶ 1:11:54Um we would then also partner with Department of Labor uh to ensure that we are reaching to providers of this training uh and you know ensure that they apply for and can begin training those students or veterans under that program.
▶ 1:12:10When you say providers, you mean the industry leaders?
▶ 1:12:13Industry leaders who would be offering uh the certificates under the Vette program. Correct. What relationship with the you know there's already existing relationships right now with industry leaders in the VA correct but what would be a good model for this for this new
▶ 1:12:28Uh I'm not sure sir I would have to get back to you on that.
▶ 1:12:36Now my bill establishes a 90-day expedited approval process for courses that train veterans for emerging tech jobs. Now your testimony states the VA has no concerns with meeting that timeline. Is that right?
▶ 1:12:47Uh we understood that as 90 days to um identify and then uh solicit for providers and we do believe we could meet that um with with enough lead time to you know if the enact enactment or effective date for the bill were uh a little bit in in the future,
▶ 1:13:06right? We all know how important it is to make things move quickly especially for our veterans who are looking for jobs. Um, what what type of message does this send to veterans and to industry leaders when the VA moves quickly to approve these high demand jobs? Does that encourage more industries and businesses to want to partner with the VA? I
▶ 1:13:24I certainly hope so. Yes.
▶ 1:13:26Now, the Semiconductor Industry Association reports over 500,000 jobs tied to recent investments across 28 states, including Arizona. Now, from the VA's perspective, why are veterans uniquely positioned to fill this workforce need?
▶ 1:13:41Um we believe that they have the the the right skills and um you know the the the propensity to succeed um given new tasks and uh we would look forward to helping them achieve that target.
▶ 1:13:57Yeah, as a veteran myself and you know talking to fellow veterans, we know that you know we're used to long hours. I think the biggest challenge has been these foreign companies moving into the United States. you know, they work their people to death nearly over there. So, they're not used to the uh work requirements here in the United States. And um veterans, we know, you know, it takes a lot of work and they're dedicated, they're motivated, they're very disciplined. I think that's a huge benefit to the semiconductor in this AI industry that I know we're going to help out with. And so, Mr.
▶ 1:14:26Smith, I appreciate the VA's partnership on this and together we can make sure our veterans are prioritized for these high-paying jobs and high impact careers. Thank you for your time. I yield back.
▶ 1:14:36Thank you, Mr. Amday. uh represent McGarvey, you're recognized for five
▶ 1:14:40Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this hearing today. You know, I hear from veterans all the time back home, people who are trying to build a stable life when they take off the uniform. This is trying to get a job. This is finish school. This is buy a home or or simply even stay housed. And every single one of the bills we are discussing today touches one of those foundational pieces. So, what I keep hearing from people though is like, keep it simple. make the system work the way it's supposed to.
▶ 1:15:07Basically, veterans shouldn't have to fight all over again just to get a wheelchair accessible van. They shouldn't have to lose out on a job opportunity because the school won't release their transcript. They shouldn't be pushed into programs that sound good on paper but don't actually lead to real jobs.
▶ 1:15:22They shouldn't be fighting again for the things we promise to provide for So, one thing we do on this committee, and I think we do it well, despite everything you see in Washington right now, is we have a central mission, and that is to keep the promise we made to the men and women who put on a uniform, willing to serve us, and sacrifice everything for our safety and freedom. I'm happy to see that the legislation that we are talking about today are promoting programs that actually work, programs that keep that promise. So, Mr. Workman, I want to start with you.
▶ 1:15:51First of all, thank you for your service. Thank you for the heroism and bravery you showed. Um because of your actions, a lot of people came home to their families and we're grateful for that. Uh we've heard concerns that Veterans Energy Transition or VET, the VET Act, sets up another standalone jobs program instead of fixing and strengthening programs that already work like Skillbridge. So, how is DO going to make sure that this doesn't turn into just one more confusing program that veterans have to navigate when they're transitioning out of the military?
▶ 1:16:20Thank you for the question, Congressman. [clears throat] I I would like to sit down with my counterparts at the DoD and also at the VA uh to ensure that uh we are doing the right thing by our veterans and by those that are leaving the military every year.
▶ 1:16:37Um, as in my uh testimony that was submitted, you know, there are some concerns from the Department of Labor with this bill and uh I would look forward to working with your office to uh to try to find a way forward with this bill so we can get more veterans employed and gainful employment, gainful jobs where they can wake up in the morning uh feel that sense of pride and feel good about taking care of their
▶ 1:17:02Thank you. No, we look forward to working with you on that. And you know, look, on this committee, sometimes we might not always agree about the way to get there. I don't think we disagree on the mission and the goal. Um, so look forward to working with you on that because, you know, again, this is just something go to the VFW in Louisville and talk to people. Just walk around, talk to some of our veterans. They they want a straight path to a good job, right? Not some of some more bureaucracy things they have to fight to do to get things that don't actually work. Um, they don't want just another incentive for companies.
▶ 1:17:30So, when you're I know you're new at DO, but while you're there, you know, how how can you guys make sure that this grant money from the Vet Act actually leads to real training and credentials, long-term employment instead of just giving out sort of hiring bonuses to businesses.
▶ 1:17:47Thank you for the question, Congressman. Like I said uh in my submitted testimony, I think there are some issues with the bill that need to be addressed before we can uh find a way forward. But I definitely look forward to working with you and and the rest of the members of this committee to to find a way forward because I agree our veterans deserve the best and we need to do what we can to ensure that they are set up for success once they take the uniform
▶ 1:18:11Yeah, appreciate that commitment and and definitely want to work with you on it because this is something, you know, we don't want it to get lost. We want this to be just another hearing where there's there's, you know, again, reassurances or things said or or things, oh, we'll get back to like, no, let's actually make sure these programs are working for our veterans. Um, Mr. Smith, I'll switch to you about transcript withholding. Um, there's a real risk that veterans in my district in Louisville and places all over the country could lose job offers because their school may not release their transcript over a disputed debt.
▶ 1:18:39So, my first question to you is is a simple yes or no. Do you agree that veterans who are using the GI Bill should never be blocked from getting their own academic record?
▶ 1:18:49Unfortunately, I have to defer to the Department of Education on that. It's their policy.
▶ 1:18:54Okay. Um well, I I can go ahead and state my opinion on that that we should never have a veteran blocked from getting their own academic record, particularly when they are on the GI Bill. Again, a benefit not given to them, a benefit they earned through their service. and would love your help in making sure we can get that happen even with the Department of Education. Uh the Vette program has had some mixed results with job placement dropping below 50% in some years.
▶ 1:19:17If we expand on Vette uh to focus more on emerging tech fields, what protections should VA put in place to make sure that veterans aren't encouraged to participate in programs that sound good but don't lead to jobs after they're over? Thank you for the question and uh that that's a very interesting area to go to um because it it really speaks to the efficiency and effectiveness of the program and we'd be happy to sit down with you staff and others to to identify some protections for that.
▶ 1:19:48As of right now, I'm not sure that I I have any great ideas.
▶ 1:19:51Well, definitely want to sit down with with both of you all this. Let's keep this on our radar. Let's make sure this is working. We can't just get caught in more bureaucracy. We got to have programs that work for our veterans. Mr. may yield back.
▶ 1:20:02Thank you. Uh Mr. Mayor is recognized for five minutes.
▶ 1:20:05Thank you, chairman and ranking member Papos for holding this hearing and to the witnesses that are here with us today. One of the many factors this committee has identified as critical to a veteran successful transition that stand out for me are medical care and the second is employment. So I want to start with discussing the importance of medical and mental health care post service. As you know, some of you uh were service members yourself.
▶ 1:20:32Wearing the uniform and serving our nation, oftentimes veterans deal in silence with the pain of PTSD, of depression, of substance abuse, and the risk of self harm. So, we know it's essential that we do everything we can to ensure that no veteran has to confront our challenges alone by providing them information and the access necessary to medical and mental health services. I understand there are some piece of legislation today that we're considering that make an attempt to help our veterans with that. So, I have a couple questions.
▶ 1:21:02I know a core program that assists veterans transition to civilian life is a tap program. Here, veterans take classes to learn all that is available to them. And we know that veterans often do not retain what they learn and can be overwhelmed by the volume of information all coming at the same time. But I understand that HR2878 attempts to address the current mental health gaps veterans face by adding information to taps on mental health. So the question I have, Mr.
▶ 1:21:31Smith, given that DoD has expressed it would not provide more time for veterans to attend TAP classes, from your perspective, what content, if any, would realistically have to be removed to make room for some of the new mandates that are coming through HR2878.
▶ 1:21:51I'm not sure what what should be or what could be removed from that program. I realize it's a very full agenda. Uh, and I know VA's benefits and services are one entire day.
▶ 1:22:02Yeah. So, let me ask you a follow-up question. Do you have any data that veterans retain or act on information delivered in already over stuffed format months before separation? And if so, what does the data show you?
▶ 1:22:18I I don't have uh any information about retention of information. uh which is why VA la in 2019 launched the VA solidstar program where we've reached out to uh veterans to date uh by telephone um approximately every 90 days um post service to to to communicate with them.
▶ 1:22:40Well, thank you Mr. Smith. I know that my clock is ticking, so I'm going to just shift gears for a second and I want to talk about employment. I have a question on the to workforce act. We know that employment is critical for a successful transition post service and I am worried that some of the bills discussed today do not address the larger issues at hand including some of the scarcity of apprenticeship programs and that many programs aren't widely known to our veterans.
▶ 1:23:06So given that when the GI Bill apprenticeship and on the job training structure was created, the core assumption was the employer would pay a meaningful share of the veterans income and then VA would then supplement it with uh what would what would be necessary? The question that I have is uh for Mr. Workman, is that assumption still holding today that the employer would pay a meaningful share?
▶ 1:23:30Specifically, what data does the OR or VA have on how many approved apprenticeship or OJT programs are paying veterans wages that are sufficient to offset the declining GI Bill housing allowance?
▶ 1:23:45Thank you for the question, Congresswoman. I [clears throat] don't have the data in front of me. I'm uh more than willing to go back and get that data and provide it to you. It would be really helpful for me because as we're looking at declining housing allowance, I want to make sure that, you know, our veterans are not put in a position where they're barely making it with whatever we're getting offset from the private market. And let me ask you just one last follow-up question. I do have 58 seconds.
▶ 1:24:11What happens when the apprenticeship or AJT o or OJT programs are not paying sufficient wages? I know you're going to get me some data, but in your own perspective or your own experience, what do you think happens to them when they're not getting sufficient
▶ 1:24:26Thank you for the question. I um you know, I I I don't want to speak to something that I don't know about. Um what I can tell you is uh the president has made it clear that he wants a million new apprenticeships. And uh
▶ 1:24:42so Mr. Mr. Workman, when you as you go back, I just want to really reiterate these apprenticeships are incredibly important. We also don't want to add more financial stress uh to our service members and we want to make sure that they're getting wages necessary to be able to participate in the program, be successful. So, I do look forward to getting this information from you. Thank you. With that, I yield back.
▶ 1:25:03Thank you. Appreciate it. And uh the witnesses are now excused, seeing no further questions. I hope you'll all stick around for the second panel. And on our second panel today, we'll hear from the following witnesses.
▶ 1:25:24Yeah. If you're on the uh second panel, please come forward and I'll u introduce you as you arrive. We are doing a quick shift change.
▶ 1:26:19right. Thank you. Going from my right, your left, we have Mr. Sam Cook, president of the Superior Van and Mobility uh company. Mr. Larry Smith, a semiconductor industry expert. Miss Julie Howell, associate legislative director for government relations, testify on behalf of on behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Miss Katherine Monaet Monae or Monet, how do I say it? Which Monae? All right. Uh CEO of the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans. I would now like to welcome the witnesses to our second panel.
▶ 1:26:49And I ask you to please stand and raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to provide is truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Thank you. And let the record reflect that all witnesses have answered in the affirmative. Mr. Cook, you're now recognized for five minutes to deliver your testimony.
▶ 1:27:10Equipment Dealers Association known as Namita. I would like to thank Chairman Barrett, Chairman Ben Nordon, whose family is in our prayers, ranking member Papus, and all the members of the House Veterans Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for the chance to testify today. My name is Sam Cook. I'm the president of Superior Van Mobility, the nation's largest family-owned adapted vehicle dealer based in Louisville, Kentucky. My family owns and operates 18 dealer locations across the South and Midwest.
▶ 1:27:36For over 25 years, we have served disabled veterans through the automotive adaptive equipment program, which provides disabled veterans with accessible vehicles. Nina members across the country are driven by one noble principle to provide mobility to disabled veterans who have given so much to our country. Further, I'd like to clarify that my testimony and support for changes to the AAE is in no way an indictment on the many hardworking frontline employees of the VA who serve our veterans every day. Our issue is with the system itself.
▶ 1:28:07The old joke is, you've been to one VA location, then you've been to one VA location. Unfortunately, this is not my first time testifying before Congress about VA shortcomings. I testified in 2015 along with many others about the VA policy relating to the quality of modifications made to vehicles to accommodate each veteran's disability.
▶ 1:28:26That effort resulted in the passage of the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, a bill signed into law in 2016 intended to ensure the modifications made for veterans were properly performed and appropriate for their disability. Sadly and un for unexplained reasons, the law still has not been implemented due to the VA not issuing the mandated interpretive regulations. Consistent with this theme, VA payment policy can can vary dramatically from location to location.
▶ 1:28:54Despite the existence of the prompt payment act, which requires federal agencies, including the VA, to pay their contractors, usually within 30 days, at the end of 25 2025, my company alone had over $2.1 million in past due invoices. This makes it difficult for businesses to serve disabled veterans in our country as are essentially being asked to be a subprime lender to the VA. There are good, credible dealers who have or considering ceasing to do business with the VA altogether due to the payment issues.
▶ 1:29:24Without proper standards, this will likely cause veterans to travel hundreds of miles for service. In addition to the uncertainty as when you might get paid, another change the VA made that has drastically affected the amount the VA reimbures dealers for adaptive equipment. As a taxpayer, I want the government to get the best price possible. That being said, the price the government pays should be based on current market conditions and data.
▶ 1:29:46The VA's own regulations instructed it to establish a fee schedule on July 17th, 2024 based on the most recent data to update it annually. Despite this requirement, the schedule was created using not the most uh available data. The published schedule was based on prices from 2021. We all know that costs are considerably higher now than they were in 2021. Further, at this time, the VA published it schedule.
▶ 1:30:12Namita's 2024 survey was available then that will be updated every year moving forward. Absent congressional intervention industry has no confidence the schedule will be brought in line with current uh pricing.
▶ 1:30:26The failure to follow very clear direct regulations regarding publishing a current payment schedule identified ongoing challenges with vendors and getting paid on time and now a decade long wait for professional standards for modification of vehicles suggest the VA feels it is unrestricted discretion and interpretation of application of the law making it extremely difficult to serve our veterans. One piece of the solution is the bipartisan assist act sponsored by Congressman Barrett which passed the house unanimously last year.
▶ 1:30:55I as well as Namita believe that the cruise act recently introduced by chairman Barrett is another important part of the solution. I and Namita support chairman Barrett's cruise act. The cruise act will centralize the process for reimbursing dealers in the department central office and require the VA to accurately track payments for dealers that are more than 90 days overdue. I hope the cruise act is passed and properly implemented. Many of these issues facing the mobility equipment dealers and disabled veterans will be be resolved.
▶ 1:31:23I would like to thank the committee for listening today and thank each of you for serving our country.
▶ 1:31:29Thank you uh Mr. Cook. And the written statement of Mr. Cook will be entered into the record. Mr. Smith, welcome to Washington. You're now recognized for five minutes to deliver your testimony.
▶ 1:31:39Thank you, Chairman Barrett and Ranking Member Papis and distinguished subcommittee members for this opportunity. As a veteran committed to helping others enter the semiconductor industry, I believe these proposals will better connect veterans to rewarding careers. My name is Larry Smith. After a decade in the Army, including time on active duty and in the reserves, after graduating from West Point, I worked 35 years in the semiconductor industry, serving as president and chairman of the board of Tokyo Electron US for 14 years.
▶ 1:32:09Now retired, I have pivoted to purpose, focused on hiring and housing veterans and serve as vice chair of the governor's executive committee for the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and chairman of the board of mobile loaves and fishes. More than 10 years ago, I chose to recruit field engineers from three groups including veterans. During this period, I was lucky enough to collaborate with my close friend Paul Funk who later became fourstar general and led trade or training and doctor command.
▶ 1:32:38Paul and I began our military careers as young lieutenants together at Fort Hood, and our friendship has lasted ever since. He helped me and my team connect with key leaders at the transition assistance program and take part in job fairs. After years of recruiting veterans, I saw that our industry spanning thousands of companies could reach far more people than we had so far.
▶ 1:33:01I proposed recruiting veterans as a talent pipeline to semi CEO and presented this idea as keynote speaker at two major trade shows attended by over 35,000 people this last year. My talks addressed why and how to recruit veterans into the semiconductor industry highlighting their valuable attributes and technical skills.
▶ 1:33:24As mentioned already, the semiconductor industry released a report updated in December of 20 2025 deal detailing both ongoing and anticipated investments in the semiconductor manufacturing facilities. These initiatives are projected to create and support over 500,000 jobs, including 70,000 facility positions and 122,000 construction roles.
▶ 1:33:50This projected growth is anticipated to create significant demand for technicians, rendering these positions well suited for transitioning service members who are seeking impactful careers that support national security. Currently, semiconductors are integral to geopolitical competition and underpin advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, and defense technologies.
▶ 1:34:18Collaborative job training programs and efforts to expand the pool of STEM educators can address the talent shortage with veterans serving as an excellent resource to meet this demand. Let me share some details on a project in Colleen, Texas that can be a model to consider.
▶ 1:34:35The military talent pipeline near Fort Hood helps service members and their spouses transition to jobs in fields like semiconductor technology and design, STEM education, cyber security, data analytics, and law enforcement. It's funded by federal, state, industry, and local partners with the Clean Economic Development Corporation donating a 25,000 square foot facility.
▶ 1:34:59The project also received a $2.5 million federal grant for renovating that donated building. Additional support for projects include workforce development funds from the Texas Texas Chips Act, upcoming appropriations pending Senate Review, a $2 million FAB tool donation from Tokyo Electron, and a $2 million allocation from the Texas Legislature. Collaborate partners include Texas University System and local community colleges.
▶ 1:35:28Texas A&M Central Texas led by Dr. Richard Rhodess donated $2 million to Temple College to help establish a semiconductor lab near the Samsung site. Project leaders are creating the playbook and sharing it with other US regions to include Arizona and New York. Additionally, I'm proud of our team's work at Tokyo Electron US. Our goal is to be a trusted global partner providing technology that enables life.
▶ 1:35:56We've invested billions of dollars in US semiconductor manufacturing and research and development. We participate in the pay program and earned several military friendly awards from the DO and DO to include today I saw posting on LinkedIn that we were recognized again with both a um platinum and gold level uh recognition.
▶ 1:36:17As member of semi works, this team has reached over 150,000 military members through outreach over the last three years and in a chip career site list job opportunities to the thousand semi members and supports military personnel with resources, tools, and career coaching. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of these initiatives before this subcommittee today. I'm happy to answer your questions.
▶ 1:36:43Thank you, Mr. Smith, and go Army. The uh written statement of Mr. Smith will be entered into the hearing record. Miss Holly, you're now recognized for five minutes over your testimony.
▶ 1:36:53Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Papus, and members of the subcommittee, Paralyzed Veterans of America appreciates the opportunity to share our views on some of the legislation before the subcommittee today. PVA members are veterans who have incurred a spinal cord injury or disorder, and they experience the breadth of VA care and benefits in unique ways due to their injuries and their illnesses. Most of the legislation has been addressed in our written testimony. So, I'll limit my comments to three bills that we believe would have a positive impact on our membership.
▶ 1:37:21Just like every American, access to safe and reliable transportation is essential to the mobility, health, and independence of catastrophically disabled veterans. Thus, addressing transportation concerns is a top priority for PVA, and we've been honored to work with this committee to pass several bills in recent years to improve access to adapted vehicles. The automobile adaptive equipment or AE program prescribes and pays for adaptive equipment which allows eligible veterans to safely operate and enter or enter their enter and exit their vehicles.
▶ 1:37:51Most adaptations are done by dealers outside of the VA and the work is reimbured by payment processors at the local VA medical center. Unfortunately, we often hear from PVA members as well as industry professionals that millions of dollars in unpaid reimbursements remain outstanding. the Cruise Act, seeks to address this problem by changing the way VA reimburses businesses that make the necessary modifications to the vehicles that veterans need.
▶ 1:38:18The bill requires the VA to implement a process to track invoices and issue payments in a timely manner. If the latter takes more than 30 days, the department must notify the business of delays and provide them with an anticipated date of payment. While PVA supports the intent of this legislation, we are concerned that without careful oversight, an already difficult reimbursement process could become even more complicated.
▶ 1:38:40Disabled veterans have earned these benefits, and it is the obligation of the VA and Congress to ensure their delivery, which includes paying vendors that partner in achieving veteran independence. Next, I'd like to discuss HR 982, the Warriors to Workforce Act. While PVA supports the intent of increasing the monthly housing allowance rate for veterans using their post 911 GI Bill for apprenticeships, we do not think that the bill goes far enough in supporting veterans deciding on non-traditional education paths like apprenticeships or other on the job training programs.
▶ 1:39:10If Congress increases the second six months of an apprenticeship program from 80% to 90%. That would mean that for veterans in a two-year apprenticeship, the first six months of the second year of their program would see a drop from 90% to 60% of a veteran's MAH payment. That would most likely result in increased numbers of veterans choosing to discontinue this apprenticeship.
▶ 1:39:31With the increasing need for skilled trades and other non-deree holding professionals, the s and significant barriers to employment that still exist for veterans with serious disabilities, we should ensure that any veteran who decides to enter the trades is fully supported by their earned education benefits. Lastly, I'd like to briefly mention HR2878, the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert improving service member transition to reduce veteran suicide act.
▶ 1:39:55Ensuring transitioning service members and veterans are aware of services and supports offered by the VA is critical in the health and well-being of our nation's veterans and we should do everything we can to improve awareness of these life-saving supports and services. I want to remind the subcommittee that not all transitioning service members get the traditional TAP experience. Those who separate due to illness or injury may not get to attend a TAP class due to medical appointments and other requirements.
▶ 1:40:20The Department of Defense and the VA should do everything possible to ensure that all service members and veterans know about the mental health support and suicide prevention programs made available to them. Mr. Chairman, if I may, I'd like to take the last few minutes of my testimony to share a profound lost experience at Paralyzed Veterans of America. Last week, Len unexpectedly passed away. Len was PVA's general counsel, and he worked for more than 30 years in Veterans Law.
▶ 1:40:44Not only did Len work for PVA, the United Spinal Association in the Vietnam Veterans of America, but he also s served as a consultant to the Veterans Consortium Pro bono program, and was a senior appellet attorney in the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of General Counsel. Lend's professionalism, wisdom, and experience with nuances in veteran case law will be missed by more than just PVA members. Thank you again for the opportunity to share our views on some of the bills being considered today, and I'd be happy to answer any of your questions.
▶ 1:41:13Thank you. and um thank you for that tribute and our condolences to the entire organization on that loss and the loss of our veteran community as well. So, thank you. Um and uh your testimony will be entered into the uh record as well. And Miss Monet, you're now recognized for five minutes.
▶ 1:41:31Chairman Barrett, Ranking Member Pepis, and distinguished members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to offer views on legislation before you. While there are several great bills today, we are providing statements on behalf of legislation that would directly affect efforts to prevent and/or end homelessness among veterans and their families. NCHV supports HR 7149, the Veteran Housing Promise Act, which amends Title 38 to eliminate maximum authorizations of appropriations and make permanent the authority for several programs supporting homeless veterans.
▶ 1:42:01For decades, VA
▶ 1:42:02Can you move your microphone a little closer? I'm having a hard time hearing
▶ 1:42:05Yeah. Is this better?
▶ 1:42:06I think so.
▶ 1:42:07Okay, great. For decades, VA's homelessness programs have been instrumental in reducing veteran homelessness. These efforts provide essential services such as outreach, housing assistance, employment reintegration, and supportive services for vulnerable populations, including women veterans and those with children. Yet, the current patchwork of time limited authorizations and funding caps poses poses significant challenges for program continuity, planning, and the ability of community providers to sustain the life-changing services veterans rely on.
▶ 1:42:35By removing funding caps and time limited authorizations, this legislation provides long-term stability and predictability for these proven programs. Such stability allows both VA and community- based partners to better coordinate care, invest in workforce development, and ensure that no veteran who has served our nation has to face homelessness or housing insecurity due to administrative challenges.
▶ 1:42:56Key provisions of this bill such as the permanent authority for the domicillary care and supportive services for very low-income veteran families program and long-term authorization for grants benefiting homeless veterans with special needs will strengthen the federal response and allow for continued progress toward the shared goal of ending veteran homelessness. NCHV supports HR749, the improving mental health care and coordination for homeless veterans act.
▶ 1:43:19It seeks to address deficiencies in the referral process to homeless programs for veterans with positive screenings for housing instability in other clinical settings. VHA's homeless clinical screening tool is an important way that clinicians are able to identify veterans facing housing challenges, especially those who may not know help is available or those who may not want to disclose their housing status due to stigma or other issues.
▶ 1:43:41However, last month, the VA found that in many instances, unclear referral procedures and staff inconsistency in following them resulted in veterans screening positive but never receiving the housing referrals they requested or not receiving them within the prescripted 30-day timeline. It is unacceptable that bureaucratic processes or the lack thereof prevented veterans from accessing housing support. And NCHV thanks Repo and the bill's co-sponsors for moving quickly to address this issue.
▶ 1:44:10The focus on timely assessment and intake planning will help VA house more veterans. Further, we appreciate the bill's focus on ensuring VA identifies appropriate permanent housing options for veterans quickly in addition to addressing long-term health and mental health needs. As the committee considers this provision, we encourage frank discussions with VA to ensure that VA medical centers are being allowed to hire sufficient sufficient staff and backfill vacancies to support these processes.
▶ 1:44:36Further, as team-based case management becomes more common, we encourage discussions around ensuring that the homeless program staff has appropriate skill sets to identify housing placements and support housing navigation rather than the usual clinical skills VA tends to prioritize. In conclusion, we commend the committee's leadership for advancing policies that recognize homelessness among veterans is not just a matter of housing, but of dignity, stability, and national responsibility. We stand ready to support implementation and continued oversight of all of these essential
▶ 1:45:08Thank you, Miss Monet. And the written statement of Miss Mon will be entered into the hearing record. And we'll now proceed to questioning. I'm going to recognize myself first for five minutes. Um starting with uh Mr. Cook. Thank you again for being here today. Really appreciate your testimony. Um, can you walk our committee through the process for a veteran receiving a vehicle for the first time, how that approval works, where you enter the process, and then where the payment ultimately gets remitted so that we can kind of get an understanding of that.
▶ 1:45:36Sure. There are two programs. The 452 program that was mentioned uh in the VA's testimony is a is an auto grant that you can get that they get and it's basically a check. Uh so the the grant is signed uh by the the VA and you can take it to an automobile dealer. You can take it to somebody like us. If you don't need a full uh conversion and you just want to be able to get a vehicle that needs hand controls, you want to buy, you know, a Ford Expedition, you can go to the Ford dealer, buy that in this grant.
▶ 1:46:06It's the $27,000 figure that he referred to. And then that is paid uh to either the to the uh dealer or it the check comes directly to them from the VA. That is that check that um grant is mailed directly to the regional office. So you don't have a lot of hands touching it.
▶ 1:46:27So when he said 75 days of that one, yeah, because it just it just goes from here to here where the 1394 uh program is goes through the prosthetics department. So, the veteran goes into the prosthetics department at the VA and they're uh uh prescribed a wheelchair and then they were determined that they need a uh a van to be able to transport back and forth either or to drive.
▶ 1:46:52So, the uh there's a prescription written, it comes to the dealer and the dealer basically fills the prescription from there on what the what the requirements are that that person needs, what the veteran is. Every veteran is different. Some drive, some don't drive, some need specialty steering and and whatever the whatever those things are. And then once the work is complete, the vehicle goes to the VA for inspection either virtually or in person. The VA checks and says yes, all of these are on there.
▶ 1:47:21And we submit the uh the paperwork to the prosthetics department. Prosthetics department then signs off, sends everything to regional office at the BBA. That's where things there there's not the those two departments don't talk back and forth. We can't call one and say we call prosthetics and they say yes everything's submitted and then you try to figure out well is it the regional office that's delaying it and the regional office might say hey we're missing this but you don't get notification to say you're missing us.
▶ 1:47:51You have to follow up and continue to do so. Um today uh I got a email while I was here. We got paid on a claim from 2023. Uh we also got paid on one from 2024 uh today. So um there this is not a 75day issue. It's it's much greater than
▶ 1:48:10Well, hopefully when you're here testifying in 10 more years, it won't be on claims from today. So we uh we appreciate your repeat performance in committee, but we're hoping to fix some of these problems nonetheless. Um, and so, um, if a veteran gets a prescription for a mobility van, uh, perhaps their spouse is going to be driving it, but they will be riding as a passenger and need a ramp or some other, you know, accommodation, or maybe they're going to be driving it and need other further accommodations.
▶ 1:48:37Uh, the veteran would not be, it's not designed for them to be paying out of pocket uh, for that uh, mobility vehicle. Is that correct?
▶ 1:48:46That is correct. So that that 20ome thousand stipen is for modifications to a traditional vehicle whereas the prosthetic um assessment is for you need a uh a they specifically designed uh vehicle for this purpose.
▶ 1:49:04But I think as you shared with me before some of the uh cost reimbursements are based on data from now going on 5 years ago and certainly you know hasn't kept up with cost of living since then and and and so we're now becoming to grow out of out of sync with what the actual cost of some of these products and devices are. Is that also true?
▶ 1:49:26That's accurate. And so right now the veteran either pays out of pocket the difference or the dealership eats the the cost of that. So, you know, you have to make that decision as a as a business owner. You know, it's to me it's, you know, the reason why that the veteran needs this vehicle is for an injury sustained during their service to this
▶ 1:49:47So, you know, that's that's a promise that that the the country made to the veteran and it should be fulfilled.
▶ 1:49:53Great. Well, thank you. We appreciate that. We want to make sure that you're reimbursed and made whole for, you know, work that you do and for a fair price. Uh, do you believe that HR7083, the Cruise Act that you spoke about would help uh, adaptive automotive equipment dealers like yourself provide better service for veterans and receive timely payment uh, that you rely on?
▶ 1:50:15Sure. Uh, definitely would have a central source uh, that we could go in a clearing house, if you will, to be able to to know what's going on because right now there's so many things that can be interpreted different ways and there's so many hands that touch it.
▶ 1:50:28Thank you. appreciate your testimony. I yield to Ranking Member Papis for five
▶ 1:50:34Well, thank you very much, Miss Howell. Thanks for being with us. I wanted to start with you and and thanks for relating um the experience and the dedication that uh your colleague showed to uh the veteran community and his service. Uh we express our condolences to you and your organization on his passing. I wanted to ask you a question about HR5436. VA couldn't answer this one. Uh but maybe you can.
▶ 1:50:57This is about uh schools withholding student veteran transcripts and I'm wondering if you think that student veterans should receive the same protections against schools withholding transcripts as their peers who receive title 4 department of education funds.
▶ 1:51:11Uh thank you for the question sir and thank you for the condolences everybody. PVA fully supports HR5436. Uh we believe that passing this bill will provide parody for a post 911 or any student veteran using VA education benefits. it will provide them parody with any title four student. Um we often see that transcript withholding is used as a means of debt collection and rarely is it successful. So we think passing this bill will just provide parody to other students.
▶ 1:51:38Um particularly in the event if a student veteran is in some kind of appeal or dispute with VA who has outstanding payments to the school. Um the veteran shouldn't be on the hook for that.
▶ 1:51:50Thanks for being clear on that response. I'm wondering, you also touched on this in your testimony, but just to pull this out again, you talked about this cliff that potentially is going to be created here, um, if Congress raises the MHA payment rate to veterans using GI Bill to attend apprenticeship to 90% uh, for months 7 through 12, uh, that this creates a drop off in month 13. Um, and I'm wondering if you can just, uh, talk about why that's the case and how this would potentially impact veterans.
▶ 1:52:19Yes, sir, absolutely. And thank you again. Um in the one pager for the bill circulated last Congress data in the one pager showed that uh from step we'll say tier 2 to three um on the job training or OJT program saw a 56% dropout rate and apprenticeship saw a 44% dropout rate. That's without an increased 10% loss on their earnings that they take home for MAH or MHA.
▶ 1:52:44Um, as we uh expressed in our written testimony and in our oral, we think that there's an opportunity here to go even farther understanding the market demands. Um, and in light of the hearing we had a couple weeks ago about underused apprenticeship and success after service, we think that we can thread the needle on this and increase the mah rate for all veterans using uh on the job training or apprentichip programs because there is a demand in the market.
▶ 1:53:10There is a high need for these very skilled workers and I just don't PBA doesn't think that that 30% drop in the payment is going to be any kind of solution. We're almost guaranteed to see more people drop
▶ 1:53:22and increased oversight of the apprentichip program might be helpful. We have heard anecdotally at least that there's a employer obligation to supplement that drop. That's why it tears off the way it does. So if employers are not contributing their fair share then um that's something that needs to be examined. Thank you very much, Miss Monae. Um, HR749 regarding mental health care and coordination for homeless veterans.
▶ 1:53:45From your testimony, um, in VA's testimony and hearing from current grant recipients, sounds like VA employees working within the homeless, uh, homelessness program office are already required to do what's outlined in the bill. So, should the focus of the legislation be requiring other parts of VA or community partners that come into contact with a homeless veteran to conduct the reporting and ensure that a warm handoff for that veteran is needed? uh who who's needed uh needing
▶ 1:54:12So I think anything that we can do to connect veterans to resources quickly is a good a very good thing. What I will say is that intake processes do vary by community. Some of them have one single door of entry. One of some of them have you know no wrong door options. But I do think from what I understand, the bill was designed to address really this lowhanging fruit, right, of veterans coming into VA and screening positive for homeless or homelessness or housing instability, but never getting connected to any services.
▶ 1:54:41And to me, I think that is probably the right starting point and then we expand out to other um providers and resources from there.
▶ 1:54:50Well, thank you, Mr. Cook. Thanks very much for your testimony as well. I come from a small business background and if my business was owed $2.1 million from our customers, we wouldn't have been opened as long as we have been. So, I thank you for your perseverance. I know that uh you know, it's focused on how you can meet the needs of veterans. Um but frankly, you shouldn't have to put up with this. And what we don't want to see is uh for businesses that are providing important services for disabled veterans to just walk away because of their frustration uh with VA's processes.
▶ 1:55:19So you talked about um this being an issue with the system itself and I hope that uh there is room here for a modern IT system where you can quickly fill out forms, have those up updated uh track the process of in progress of claims approvals and payments. Is that something that you think would help provide some clarity to your business?
▶ 1:55:38You know it would. Um there's but in the cruise act you know it's it leaves it it's open enough where we can work within the current system because you know an IT upgrade is going to take years. Uh and right now with the cruise act if we can get that if we'll get that passed and implemented that at least will give us a a faster way to to our end goal. Well
▶ 1:56:01I appreciate that. Um we are really committed to working on this and finding a solution. So thanks very much for your testimony. I yield back.
▶ 1:56:09Thank you. The ranking member yields. Uh Mr. McGarvey, you're recognized for five
▶ 1:56:13Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh thank you all for being here today. Mr. Cook, I am going to start with you coming up here from Louisville, Kentucky. Uh first of all, we appreciate what you do for our veterans, what you do in our community. Um and you'd mentioned while you're sitting there that today you found out that a claim has been paid you submitted in 2023.
▶ 1:56:32Yes, sir. um we're going to let the record explicitly show it's 2026. Uh and it is it's unbelievable to me and quite frankly it's completely unacceptable that that's happening. Uh because that doesn't just impact you that goes to the heart of what we do here on this committee that impacts our veterans. As Mr. Pap has said, when you run a small business and people aren't paying you for the services you provide, it's hard to stay open.
▶ 1:57:00And when the service you provide is getting our veterans where they need to go, that is a real problem. Um, so not only have you is it 2026 and you're talking about payments from 2023. It's my understanding the VA is supposed to process and pay these claims within 30 days. Correct.
▶ 1:57:15That's correct.
▶ 1:57:16Okay. 30 days. Again, 2023, 2026. I'm not the best at math, but it's my understanding that is more than 30 days. Uh, and so appreciate you being here and sharing these stories because we need to hear how this is actually happening um, out there for our veterans and for the people provide those services. Um, there's some VA locations that process claims even more slowly and you hinted at this at well. Um, there might be some issues with invoices.
▶ 1:57:45There might be dealers who aren't notified. Um, can you talk just a little bit more about what this system looks like? Maybe even give an example of how these problems hurt our veterans or could slow down their access to the mobility equipment they
▶ 1:57:59Well, it it um it's right now, as I said in my testimony, there are dealers that are having to make the decision. Is it can I afford to do business with the VA? And a lot of our um veterans come from rural areas. And again, if you don't have transportation, you know, all of these other things that we that uh these folks are talking about today with employment, uh you can't get there if you don't have a vehicle.
▶ 1:58:23Uh and you know, again, if something happens to one of our vehicles today, you know, we can hop in an Uber, we can borrow a family member's car. Well, if you're a disabled veteran and you have a vehicle customized for you, you don't when it's down, you're down. And so we have uh the impact is also, you know, of a startup. If you're a startup startup, you're trying to get into this industry and you're like, "Hey, this is great.
▶ 1:58:49We can, you know, sell to the VA and and serve veterans, but you've got a brand new business and you're not getting paid, you're not going to be in business very long." So, you know, it affects it doesn't just it it affects the business side of it, but it the whole key is the veteran. And if a veteran doesn't have a choice where to go and a veteran doesn't have a a close dealer to get their vehicle worked on, then you know, then they're they're they're at home.
▶ 1:59:13Yeah. And it's so important. And you you bring up a point that I think you brought up to me in the airport just a few days ago as both of us were flying up here. When veterans are getting in these vehicles, they're getting in these vehicles because of their disability or their wheelchair. This is not something that just happened randomly. This is connected to their service. This is connected to what they did for us. and I appreciate you being here. Uh, M Miss How, just want to go to you really quickly. Your written testimony makes it clear that PVA supports ending transcript withholding.
▶ 1:59:41Can you tell me how this policy affects veterans with disabilities who already face barriers to getting hired?
▶ 1:59:48Thank you for the question, sir. Um, well, this is not my area of expertise as far as the transcripts to justify employment. Um, we have heard stories of, not from our membership per se, but we've heard stories of veterans who were in a long hiring pipeline and they thought they did the work and there's a small outstanding debt and next thing you know the job is gone because they can't get the transcript. Now, I don't want to give a pass to people who have legitimate costs that they have incurred at a campus.
▶ 2:00:16I used to work for a college for a university. There is an obligation for veterans to be on the ball for some of this stuff, but ultimately using transcript withholding as a means of debt collection is not an effective practice. And who knows, maybe the veteran gets a job and then has the money to pay an outstanding debt. See, seems like it might be a logical next step. Um, your testimony also raised concerns about how many veterans drop out of apprenticeship programs, about 44%.
▶ 2:00:44What changes should these programs make to be more accessible and sustainable for for long-term for veterans with significant
▶ 2:00:51I feel like that's enough content to probably be its own hearing, sir. Um I do think that continuing to make uh better connections between VA do vets, um the industry professionals. I think if we lean in on the programs that exist, we have an opportunity to sort of be better all around.
▶ 2:01:12Um, that's not to say that necessarily Transition or Skillbridge or any of the existing pipelines that serve a very small number of veterans, like they do great work, but in making sure that the apprenticeships that veterans are connected to are with honorable and legitimate employers who are going to hold up their end of the bargain, I think that's critical.
▶ 2:01:32Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 2:01:34Thank you. Appreciate it. Out of a sense of urgency, the floor just opened for votes, but I want to recognize Miss Ramirez. I imagine you probably have a couple of questions.
▶ 2:01:42Just a couple.
▶ 2:01:43Try to get through them so we can make it to votes as quickly as possible.
▶ 2:01:46Uh thank you again to the witnesses for being here.
▶ 2:01:49As a former nonprofit executive director that served on House Neighbors, including many veterans, I understand that oftentimes the gap between our ability to fill our mission and the realities on the ground really come back to resources. For many housing and homeless service providers, timely federal grants are an essential part of the resources layered together to meet the needs of our neighbors.
▶ 2:02:12So, I'm clear that to ensure every veteran has full access to the full spectrum of benefits that they've earned and deserved, we have to ensure that programs and services that the VA offers are consistently fully funded. Just over the past few years, there's been consistent investments on veteran homelessness.
▶ 2:02:28And as a result of that, national point in time count data shows that not only have we made progress in reducing veteran homelessness, but veterans are the actually the only population who has seen a decline in rates of homelessness according to the point in time count. From the provider perspective, one of the biggest drivers of instability isn't funding cuts. It's Congress's it's Congress allowing authorizations and statutory caps to lapse or fall out of sync with appropriations.
▶ 2:02:57So, Miss Monae, can you describe the real world impact of this instability on providers and veterans? Can you explain why permanent authorization matters?
▶ 2:03:07Yeah, absolutely. I think there are a lot of factors when you think about community planning and how systems work together and knowing what you've got in your community and being able to project out how programs will work together to meet the needs of veterans. But from a provider perspective, I mean, I think you've been a nonprofit executive, so we all manage the budget. It's not very different than, you know, being a small business, right? And when you lose out on that funding, you are thinking about making staffing changes, how you're going to reduce services to pay the people you've got and pay the bills.
▶ 2:03:36You're delaying enrollments to make sure that you can manage with what you've got, and you're delaying subsidy payments to veterans. So, what that looks like in practice for veterans, right, is, you know, longer delays to accessing their case management with their local case, you know, case manager. It might look like starting over with a new case manager and a new treatment plan from what you had before. Uh it could look like a longer time outside if your local shelter is not able to admit new veterans.
▶ 2:04:02Um if you're on SSVF, that might mean that they're not able to pay for your rent anymore. And in a normal environment, we might look to HUD funded programs to help, but right now the HUD COC program is in a little bit of a precarious position. And so there is not a lot of safety net out there to catch these veterans right now. And if you're in a community where they're criminalizing or looking at finding ticketing in jails as their predominant solution to homelessness, it gets even worse.
▶ 2:04:29Yeah. Thank you, Miss Monet. So instability, that's really what it boils down to and it means that many of of our veterans are either at risk of homelessness or unable to move into permanent affordable housing. So, I want to pivot really quickly in the last two minutes I have here to talk about the truth of the so-called affordable housing guarantee act. And let me be clear as a former housing provider, as someone that's worked on housing for many years, I'm supportive of making every investment we need to prioritize ending veteran homelessness.
▶ 2:04:58Unfortunately, I know that it's not the orientation of every member of the committee because I've listened to colleagues previously discuss drastic cuts to funding for programs that are dedicated to our most vulnerable veterans. It seems like sometimes Republicans champion socialism when it benefits the rich and powerful who they think deserve it most. However, keeping disabled veterans stably housed has to be the priority of this committee, especially for those on fixed incomes who are one mortgage payment away from a crisis or from losing their home.
▶ 2:05:28Yet, as written, the Affordable Housing Guarantee Act proposes doubling the VA loan guarantee on the theory that lenders will lower rates because the risk is reduced. So, this question is for you, Miss Howell. What confidence does your organization have that those savings will actually reach disabled veterans? And the followup to that is, what protections would you need to ensure that this policy strengthens housing stability rather than just simply increasing lender profits?
▶ 2:05:57Thank you for that question, ma'am. I'm going to start by saying I am in no way a mortgage expert. um BVA [snorts] is not necess we have concerns with this legislation because we don't understand how just increasing the amount of the guarantee is guaranteed to reduce any kind of rates. Um I think
▶ 2:06:16rightly or wrongly and I'm not trying to throw any accusations here but industry is going to look out for industry. That's right. regardless of what it is. And so because of that, we don't necessarily agree with just raising the guarantee amount for the sake of raising it in the hopes that industry might uh be benevolent in that regard.
▶ 2:06:34Any protections that you think need to be on it in the last seven seconds we
▶ 2:06:39Honestly, when it comes to the home loan, I'm not entirely sure I'm prepared to say anything around that, particularly as we wait to see the partial claim program rolled out and see if that was effective.
▶ 2:06:48Well, thank you, Miss How. My time is up, but I appreciate you. With that, I yield back.
▶ 2:06:51Thank you, Mr. Mayers. Yields. And um with that, um thank you to the panelists for being here. I know um Mr. Smith, I'm not sure if you got a question on the panel, but I appreciate you being here nonetheless in your testimony. Um in the uh interest of expediting our departure to go vote, I will yield to the ranking member for any closing remarks you have.
▶ 2:07:10Thank you. And um thank you all again for participating in today's hearing. I've received a number of statements for the record which will be submitted into the record as long as they meet submission requirements. says consent that all members have five legislative days provides and extend the remarks and include extraneous material without objection shard. This hearing is