WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) has introduced a new bill aimed at simplifying the process for veterans enrolling in higher education. The Veterans Education Transparency and Training (VETT) Act, as it is called, will modify educational form requirements for veterans and establish an online portal through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to serve as a comprehensive resource center for trainings available to veterans through School Certifying Officials (SCOs).

Van Orden explained the motivation behind the bill, stating, "We have a responsibility to ensure our nation's veterans receive the benefits they earned as swiftly as possible. Unfortunately, administrative roadblocks and inconsistent regulations are preventing veterans from accessing their educational benefits. I introduced the VETT Act to help alleviate these barriers and streamline the application process so veterans can pursue the education path of their choice as they transition back to civilian life. By establishing greater clarity and flexibility to their educational benefits, we are standing by our commitment to our veterans and the benefits they deserve."

The VETT Act has garnered support from various organizations that advocate for veterans' rights. Jay Bowen, Chairman of the American Legion Veterans Employment and Education Commission, expressed his support for the bill, stating, "The American Legion firmly believes that eliminating barriers to education is crucial for providing veterans a high quality of life after their service. Representative Van Orden's solution not only provides administrative flexibility to veterans enrolling in higher education, but also improves transparency."

Frank G. Myers, Jr., President of the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA), also voiced his support for the VETT Act, saying, "NASAA strongly supports H.R. 5914, the Veterans Education Transparency and Training Act. The VETT Act is a commonsense bill that ensures that information between the VA and school officials will be centralized and consistent and that certain federal financial forms will no longer stand in the way of veterans' access to quality programs. We celebrate these provisions which will improve access without sacrificing safeguards for our veterans and their families."

The VETT Act has received endorsements from nine Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) including The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans Education Project, Special Operations Association of America, Student Veterans of America, and the National Association of State Approving Agencies.

With the introduction of the VETT Act, Congressman Derrick Van Orden aims to make the process of accessing educational benefits for veterans more efficient and transparent. The bill has gained support from various organizations, all recognizing the importance of eliminating barriers to education for veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

To find out more, go to this link: https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/derrick-van-orden-introduces-veterans-education-transparency-and-training-act