Congressman Hamadeh Introduces the Veterans Readiness and Employment Transparency Act

Washington, D.C. - Representative Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-08) has introduced the Veterans Readiness & Employment Transparency Act with bipartisan support to improve access to - and responsiveness from - the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. 

The bill is part of Congressman Hamadeh’s ongoing effort to improve the lives of our nation’s Armed Service members.

“Many say VR&E program is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ best-kept secret, but many veterans and campus administrators can’t get the Department’s help with the onerous application process—or even know where to begin,” stated Congressman Hamadeh, a member of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee. “Veterans are often ignored by their VR&E counselors – with no recourse, adding to often extreme wait times.”

“When our veterans return home, they deserve to be able to easily access the support and benefits their service earned,” stated Congressman Rep. Ciscomani (R-AZ), who represents nearly 80,000 veterans. “Unfortunately, due to unnecessary bureaucracy, many veterans have difficulty accessing VR&E programs that help with job training, education, and employment accommodations, especially for those who were injured in the line of duty. I am proud to join my fellow Arizona colleague Rep. Hamadeh in a bipartisan effort to make VR&E programs more accessible to veterans in my district, and across the country.”

“Our veterans have made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and they deserve our unequivocal commitment to ensuring they receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned,” stated Congressman Wittman (R-VA). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Veterans Readiness and Employment Transparency Act, which will help improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency within the VA. By enhancing communication with veterans, making faster decisions on benefit extensions, and providing more accountability through regular reporting, we can better assist veterans with service-connected disabilities and ensure they are adequately cared for.”

Currently, VR&E does not have a specific hotline for vets and there is no accessible VR&E contact information at the regional office level. This bill will help veterans by:

•       Establishing a VR&E specific hotline

•       Each regional office must display a name, email, and number online for vets with VR&E questions

•       Regional offices are required to hold Q&A on VR&E with every school under their responsibility

Also, additional oversight of the waiver process is sorely needed. As a result, this bill:

•       Requires an annual report that breaks down vocational training extension waivers

•       Requires waivers to be approved or denied within 30 days of the veteran’s request for an extension

According to data provided by the VA, as of October 30, 2024, VR&E wait times by regional office ranges from 2 weeks to 158 days. The current average wait time at the Phoenix regional office for an applicant to meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for an initial evaluation is 68 days.

“These wait times are simply unacceptable,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Our veterans did not delay when heeding the call of our nation, and our nation cannot delay when our veterans call for assistance.”

Original cosponsors of this legislation Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA).

Read the text of Rep. Hamadeh’s legislation HERE

Contact: Lori Hunnicutt @lori.hunnicutt@mail.house.gov

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