Native Vetsuccess At Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2878, as amended, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act.

This bill would direct the VA to carry out pilot programs on at least two Tribal colleges or university campuses.

During the pilot, a VetSuccess counselor would be assigned to these campuses to help eligible veterans navigate VA programs and benefits.

I support the underlying bill. I am also pleased that the bill, as amended, included many Republican provisions.

This bill includes the revised text of Congresswoman Miller-Meeks' bill, H.R. 2335, the VET TEC Enhancement Act of 2021. Her bill would increase funding for the popular VET TEC pilot program to ensure that funding does not run out before the end of the fiscal year. The bill also provides additional funding for those programs in fiscal year 2022 and 2023.

Madam Speaker, I am glad we authorized additional funds for this important program that is putting veterans back to work with a 70 percent placement rate. I think we would be hard-pressed to find another program with such a high rate of success.

This bill also includes the text of Congressman Mann's bill, H.R. 2419, the Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans Act of 2021. Congressman Mann's provision would authorize the VA to sell, lease, rent or donate homes to homeless veterans providers.

These homes were acquired by the VA due to veterans defaulting on their VA-guaranteed home loans. This change would increase the stock of affordable housing that is available to house homeless veterans.

Finally, this bill would provide authorization for the VA to continue the practice of rounding out the semester for GI Bill students. This practice ensures that the students who are finishing their education early are able to take an additional class to receive their full housing stipend.

I am dismayed that, without this legislative fix, the Biden administration is poised to end the decades-long practice on August 1.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Levin for working with us to ensure rounding out continues and students are not hurt by the VA's decision. I also thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Mann for their hard work on both of these bills.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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