WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, expressed his satisfaction as two of his bills were passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

"We passed great legislation out of committee today," said Congressman Van Orden. "The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act establishes long overdue parity between reservist and active-duty GI Bill benefits, ensuring all who honorably served our nation can further their education at in-state tuition rates. I am also proud to have had H.R. 7347 pass out of committee, which will provide oversight on VA's efforts to introduce psychedelic treatment for veterans experiencing PTSD. Both bills provide veterans with greater opportunities in two important areas of life after service - education and health care. I am grateful to Chairman Bost and my committee colleagues for their support on my bills today and hope to see them on the House Floor for a vote soon."

Additionally, the TRAIN VA Employees Act, led by Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) and co-led by Rep. Van Orden, also successfully passed out of committee. This bill aims to enhance accountability at the VA by establishing new management training for VA supervisors, management officials, and senior executives.

The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act, one of the bills championed by Congressman Van Orden, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide greater access to educational opportunities for veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR.

Similarly, H.R. 7347, another bill spearheaded by Congressman Van Orden, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide reports on whether FDA-approved psychedelic drug treatments will be included in the VA formulary.