Warriors to Workforce Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 982
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T16:14:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Warriors to Workforce Act" (H.R. 982) aims to provide greater financial support to eligible veterans pursuing full-time apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. By increasing educational assistance payments during the first year, the bill seeks to ease the transition from military service to civilian careers, particularly in hands-on vocational training.
Key Provisions
- Eligibility and Scope: Applies to veterans or eligible individuals using benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33 of title 38, U.S. Code) for full-time apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs.
- Payment Increase: Raises the monthly educational assistance rate for the first year of such programs from 80% to 90% of the full-time institutional rate (the standard amount paid for full-time college or university enrollment).
- Implementation: The change is made by amending section 3313(g)(3)(B) of title 38, U.S. Code, with specific technical adjustments to the law's wording for clarity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Under current law, educational assistance for apprenticeships or on-the-job training decreases over time: 80% in the first six months, 60% in the next six months, and so on, down to 20% in the fourth year.
- This bill modifies only the first-year rate (specifically the initial six months) by increasing it to 90%, while leaving subsequent years unchanged. It also adds clarifying language to specify that the assistance is provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Potential Impacts
- On Veterans: Provides an additional 10% in monthly payments during the critical first six months of training, potentially covering more living expenses and reducing financial barriers to starting apprenticeships. This could encourage more veterans to enter skilled trades or vocational fields.
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will need to adjust its payment systems and budget allocations, likely increasing short-term expenditures on GI Bill benefits without a specified funding mechanism in the bill.
- On Citizens and Employers: May boost veteran employment in sectors like construction, manufacturing, or trades by making apprenticeships more attractive; employers could benefit from a larger pool of motivated, trained workers.
- Broader Effects: No direct impact on international relations, but it supports domestic workforce development for post-9/11 era veterans.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Eligible Dependents: Primary beneficiaries, especially those in or planning apprenticeships, receiving higher stipends to support training.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for administering and funding the increased payments.
- Employers and Training Programs: Apprenticeship sponsors (e.g., unions, companies) may see higher participation from veterans, aiding program growth.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through potential increases in federal spending on veterans' benefits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment is straightforward and builds on the existing Post-9/11 GI Bill framework, with no apparent conflicts with other federal laws. It requires no new regulations beyond VA implementation.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to provide for the general welfare and support armed forces, including veterans' benefits; no challenges to separation of powers or individual rights are evident.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for veteran affairs by addressing employment gaps without expanding overall program costs dramatically. As an introduced bill (referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on February 5, 2025), it highlights ongoing efforts to modernize GI Bill benefits for non-traditional education paths like apprenticeships, potentially influencing future veterans' policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-24: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-03-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Warriors to Workforce Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)