Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Wenstrup, newly appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affair Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, is wasting no time addressing programs under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. Wenstrup introduced a package of legislation to improve education and housing programs available for veterans, including within the GI Bill.

“Our responsibility doesn’t end once an initial bill becomes law, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, my aim is to ensure that our veterans’ programs are working as intended. With input from veterans and educational institutions, these bills make needed corrections to existing programs. While many of these provisions passed the House last Congress, they were never considered in the Senate. I believe this year we’ll be able to move these needed improvements to better serve our veterans.” – Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Chairman, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity

“In just a few short weeks as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Brad Wenstrup has jumped in with both feet on the issues facing our returning heroes. He is dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans while increasing accountability and efficiency at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and I am proud to have him at the helm of such an important subcommittee.” – Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

The package of bills includes:

The GI Bill Quality Enhancement Act (HR 476): Building on input from EO subcommittee hearings last Congress, this would reprioritize State Approving Agencies’ role to focus on educational program quality, would ensure equitable standards across educational institutions, and would close a loop hole that resulted in sky-rocketing costs for aviation classes.

GI Bill Processing Improvement Act (HR 475): Would improve processing times for GI Bill educational claims in part by providing the VA resources needed to complete the final stages of their electronic processing system, works with states to implement in-state tuition for veterans and dependents, and would standardize veteran enrollment reporting.

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) Clarification and Reauthorization Bill (HR 474): Expands on legislation Wenstrup introduced last year which would clarify eligibility for homeless veterans across federal assistance programs and reauthorizes the HVRP, which expires in 2015. HVRP is a highly successful program that provides grants to homeless veteran providers for job training programs.

The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity includes jurisdiction over veterans’ transition, education, housing, and employment programs and opportunities.

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