House Expands Education Resources and Restricts VA Executive Bonuses

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, on the 11th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, the House of Representatives reaffirmed its promises to America's veterans by overwhelmingly passing bipartisan legislation to improve benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

A major component of this bill, H.R. 4057, as amended, requires VA to implement a comprehensive policy that aids veterans in making informed decisions about their choices in pursuit of higher education. H.R. 4057 also provides for more transparency of information related to education and training opportunities so that veterans are able to make the most of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

"Veterans deserve the best possible resources as they make important decisions about higher education," stated Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "This legislation will give veterans the information they need in order to make intelligent decisions about their future. We are committed to putting forth ideas that help veterans remain competitive in today's job market. Appropriate and effective education and training are key elements to getting veterans back to work."

Additionally the bill will require states to take into consideration certain military training when granting licensing and credentialing for veterans in certain occupations.

"Many veterans have received the appropriate training during their service to our country that is applicable to jobs outside the military. There is no reason for state governments to create additional roadblocks for veterans in search of employment," said Bilirakis.

Also included as a provision in the bill is a limit to how much VA is allowed to give in performance awards to senior staff in fiscal years 2013 to 2017.

 

"During a time when every dollar the government spends is highly scrutinized, and at a department whose sole undertaking is providing for our veterans, making sure the money appropriated to VA is efficiently spent on our veterans must remain a priority, said Rep. Phil Roe. "We have an obligation to those who have served this country that their government is looking out for the best interests, and this provision upholds that commitment."

For more news from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, please visit:

Veterans.House.Gov

--
Sean P Eagan

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars716 720-4000