Wenstrup legislation to improve economic assistance programs for veterans passes House

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act, H.R. 3738, introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) and Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). 

Currently, the Veterans Benefits Administration is responsible for all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits provided to veterans outside of health care and cemetery services. However, the bulk of staffing and resources have been directed toward the administration of disability compensation and pension claims, meaning other benefits, such as transition assistance, vocational rehabilitation, and the Forever GI Bill, have received less attention. 

The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act would address this issue by aligning transition, education, and employment programs in a fourth administration within the VA. This legislation will modernize the department and give these programs the proper attention and oversight they need without increasing bureaucracy.

"I believe our service members should have a plan from the day they enter the military to the day they transition out and beyond," said Rep. Wenstrup, D.P.M. "Our veterans are strong, dependable leaders, and by committing to economic opportunity programs, we can ensure they continue to make a difference in society after they return to civilian life."

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