VERY Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2625
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T02:38:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 (VERY Act of 2025) aims to modernize the language used in federal laws related to veteran employment services. Specifically, it replaces outdated terms that may be seen as stigmatizing with more neutral and accurate terminology to better reflect barriers faced by veterans in the workforce.
Key Provisions
- Amends Title 38 of the United States Code (which governs veterans' benefits and services).
- Replaces every instance of the term "employment handicap" with "employment barrier."
- Replaces every instance of the term "employment handicaps" with "employment barriers."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a straightforward terminology update without altering the substance of veteran employment programs. The change shifts from "handicap," a term historically used in disability contexts but now considered outdated and potentially offensive, to "barrier," which emphasizes obstacles to employment in a more contemporary and respectful way. No new programs, funding, or eligibility rules are added; it only revises wording throughout the relevant sections of the law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will need to update its regulations, guidance documents, forms, and training materials to reflect the new terminology, ensuring consistency in how employment support programs are described and administered. This could involve minor administrative costs but streamline communication.
- On Citizens: Veterans seeking employment assistance through VA programs may experience subtle improvements in how their challenges are framed, potentially reducing stigma and encouraging participation. It has no direct financial impact on individuals.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the bill is focused solely on domestic U.S. veteran services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, particularly those using VA employment readiness programs who face job-related obstacles.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing the terminology changes across its operations and services.
- Veteran Service Organizations and Employment Providers: Groups like nonprofits or counselors who partner with the VA to support veteran job placement, as they will align their materials with the updated language.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The change promotes clarity and inclusivity in federal statutes without affecting legal rights, obligations, or court interpretations of veteran benefits. It aligns with broader efforts to use person-first language in disability-related laws.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it does not involve fundamental rights, federal powers, or state relations.
- Political: This is a non-controversial, bipartisan update that signals ongoing congressional attention to veteran issues. It may set a precedent for similar terminology revisions in other areas of law, fostering a more modern approach to disability and employment policy without sparking debate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-07-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-21: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3491)
- 2025-07-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3491)
- 2025-07-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2625.
- 2025-07-21: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3491-3492)
- 2025-07-21: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-06-25: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 137.
- 2025-06-25: Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-171.
- 2025-06-25: Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-171.
- 2025-05-06: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-05-06: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-04-03: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-04-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-21 — PDF (4 pages)
- Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-03 — PDF (2 pages)
- Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-22 — PDF (2 pages)
- Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-25 — PDF (4 pages)