Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

Bill Number: H.R. 5965
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-04-16T08:06:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act" (H.R. 5965) aims to broaden access to a financial work-study allowance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It establishes a temporary pilot program to include more veterans and eligible individuals who are pursuing education, rehabilitation, or training on a part-time basis, helping them gain work experience while studying.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program Expansion: The VA must implement a five-year pilot program starting from its launch date. This program extends eligibility for the work-study allowance (under Section 3485 of Title 38, U.S. Code—a federal law governing veterans' benefits) to individuals enrolled in approved rehabilitation, education, or training programs at least half-time (instead of the usual full-time or near-full-time requirement).
Application of Rules: Participants in the pilot will follow the same work-study rules as current eligible individuals, except they are exempt from the standard requirement of being enrolled at least three-quarters time.
Reporting Requirements: The VA must submit an annual report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, starting 180 days after the bill's enactment. The report will cover:
The total number of veterans participating in work-study programs.
The percentage of these veterans who earn a four-year college degree.
The number of these veterans who secure full-time employment at the VA.
Budgetary Compliance: The bill's costs must align with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (a law requiring new spending to be offset to avoid increasing the federal deficit). Budget effects will be based on a specific statement from the House Budget Committee.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Under current law (Section 3485 of Title 38, U.S. Code), the work-study allowance is typically available only to veterans and certain dependents enrolled at least three-quarters time in approved programs. This bill introduces a pilot that lowers this threshold to half-time for selected participants, making the benefit more accessible without altering the core law permanently.
It adds mandatory annual reporting on work-study outcomes, which was not previously required in this detail, to track effectiveness and employment results.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The VA will need to administer the pilot, manage expanded eligibility, and produce annual reports, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs (subject to budget offsets). This could enhance VA's support for veteran employment pipelines.
On Citizens: Veterans and eligible dependents pursuing part-time education or training gain easier access to paid work-study opportunities at VA facilities or approved sites, which may reduce financial barriers to education and improve job prospects. It could benefit thousands by providing income (up to the hourly minimum wage equivalent) while studying.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic U.S. veterans' benefits.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Veterans and Eligible Individuals: Primarily student veterans or dependents using VA benefits for half-time or more programs, who could now qualify for work-study income.
Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for running the pilot, reporting data, and potentially hiring more work-study participants for full-time roles.
Congressional Committees: The House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs and the House Budget Committee, which oversee implementation, funding, and compliance.
Educational Institutions: Schools and training providers offering VA-approved programs, as expanded eligibility may increase enrollment from part-time veteran students.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The pilot is temporary (five years), allowing testing without immediate permanent changes to veterans' benefits law. It ensures compliance with pay-as-you-go rules to avoid deficit increases, promoting fiscal responsibility.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate federal spending and support military veterans, without raising separation-of-powers issues.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from 16 representatives) signals broad support for veteran education. The focus on outcomes like degree completion and VA employment could influence future funding debates, emphasizing measurable benefits over costs. As a pilot, it provides data for potential full enactment, reducing political risk.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (22)

Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]

Recent Actions

2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-07: Introduced in House
2025-11-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (4 pages)