Press Releases
House Passes Congressman Hamadeh’s Bill to Improve Veterans Readiness and Employment Program with Broad Bipartisan Support
Washington,
February 6, 2026
Congressman Abe Hamadeh's Veterans Readiness & Employment Transparency Act heads to the Senate after receiving broad bipartisan support.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is proud to announce that his Veterans Readiness & Employment Transparency Act heads to the Senate after receiving broad bipartisan support. Passing on a 402-2 vote, the bill will improve access to - and responsiveness from - the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. During the legislative process, the bill was included in H.R. 980, adding: · On-campus educational and vocational counseling by others outside the VA – non-VA personnel or contractors. · Non-degree flight training courses as an option for training opportunities The bill is part of Congressman Hamadeh’s ongoing effort to improve the lives of our nation’s Armed Service members. “In the past, unnecessary bureaucracy left many veterans with limited access to VR&E programs that help with job training, education, and employment accommodations, especially for those who were injured in the line of duty,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Our veterans deserve the benefits they have earned.” 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 were simply unacceptable,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Our veterans did not delay when heeding the call of our nation, and I am grateful to my colleagues for recognizing that our nation cannot delay when our veterans call for assistance.” The bill requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to: • Establish a VR&E specific hotline • Display a name, email, and number online for vets with VR&E questions at each regional office • Hold Q&A on VR&E with every school under their responsibility at each regional office must 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. |
