Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-02

VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseTradeEducationHousingVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-02, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) delivered a floor speech titled "VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense. It referenced legislation: HR1458.

Full Text

VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1933-H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025 Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1458) to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the criteria for approval of certain independent study programs for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1458 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025'' or the ``VETS Opportunity Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. REPAYMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: TIMING; MECHANISM FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND. (a) In General.--Subsection (f) of section 3327 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``together'' and all that follows through ``before'' and inserting ``not later than 60 days after''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Additional assistance for an individual not eligible for a monthly housing stipend.--In the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a) who is described by subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that subsection, and who is not eligible for a monthly stipend payable under section 3313(c) of this title, the educational assistance payable to the individual under this chapter shall be paid-- ``(A) in a lump sum calculated by multiplying-- ``(i) the total amount of contributions described in paragraph (1)(A) with regards to such individual; and ``(ii) the sum of the number of months described in subclauses (I) and (II) of paragraph (1)(B)(i) with regards to such individual; and ``(B) to the individual not later than 60 days after the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter.''. (b) Technical Corrections and Conforming Amendment.--Such subsection is further amended-- (1) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and (2) in paragraph (1), in the heading, by inserting ``for an individual eligible for a monthly housing stipend'' after ``Additional assistance''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on August 1, 2026. SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS UNDER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) In General.--Section 3680A(a)(4)(A)(ii)(III) of such title is amended-- [[Page H1934]] (1) by inserting ``that requires regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors'' after ``course of study''; (2) in item (aa), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (3) in item (bb), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``; or''; and (4) by adding at the end by following new item: ``(cc) an institution of higher education, as such term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), that is approved to participate or participating in the student financial assistance programs authorized by title IV of that Act; and''. (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, that begins on or after August 1, 2026. SEC. 4. ABSENCE FROM CERTAIN EDUCATION DUE TO CERTAIN SERVICE. (a) Options.--Section 3691A of such title is amended by striking paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and inserting the following: ``(1) A covered member may, after receiving orders to enter a period of covered service-- ``(A) withdraw from covered education; ``(B) take a leave of absence from covered education; or ``(C) subject to subsection (d), enter into an agreement with the institution concerned to complete a course of covered education to the satisfaction of such institution concerned.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or takes a leave of absence'' and inserting ``, takes a leave of absence, or enters into an agreement''. (c) Agreement.--Such section is further amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2) by inserting, after subsection (c), the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Agreement With Institution Concerned.--A covered member may enter into an agreement under subsection (a) only if the covered member has completed at least half of a course of covered education.''. (d) Section Heading.--Such section is further amended by striking the heading and inserting ``Absence from certain education due to certain service''. (e) Table of Sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3691A and inserting the following new item: ``3691A. Absence from certain education due to certain service.''. SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMPLIANCE SURVEYS. Section 3693 of such title is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking ``not more than 10 business days of notice''; (B) by striking ``this section.'' and inserting ``this section--''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(1) in the case of an educational institution or training establishment with a time stamp database collection feature, not fewer than 10, and not more than 15, business days of notice; and ``(2) in the case of any other educational institution or training establishment, not more than 10 business days of notice.''; and (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The terms `educational institution' and `training establishment' have the meanings given such terms in section 3452 of this title. ``(2) The term `school certifying official' means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution.''. SEC. 6. NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS OF HANDBOOK UPDATES. (a) In General.--Not later than 14 business days after updating the school certifying official handbook of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide notice to all school certifying officials of such update. (b) School Certifying Official Defined.--The term ``school certifying official'' means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution. SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 31, 2033'' and inserting ``May 31, 2034''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1458, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1458, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona. This bill would modernize the GI Bill by approving hybrid and online independent study programs to meet veterans' needs. During the COVID pandemic, these institutions offered classes in both online and hybrid settings to stop the spread of COVID. These institutions also received GI Bill funding during that time. Many of these institutions were even told to move their programs to fully remote. This bill would allow these education programs to receive funding again and get more veterans into successful programs. It is clearer than ever that VA education programs need to meet veterans where they are and not the other way around. Additionally, this bill would ensure guard and reserves who get called up on orders during a semester can receive a grade. This bill would also give school certifying officials, or SCOs, time to prepare for a required survey to ensure there is no fraud, waste, or abuse at the GI Bill-eligible institution. Finally, this bill would also allow servicemembers and veterans who paid into the Montgomery GI Bill to receive their $1,200 refund if they chose to fully use their post-9/11 GI Bill. I am fully supportive of this bill as we must ensure that VA services veterans first. This bill would not only give freedom of choice for what institution veterans can attend, but when a veteran does go to school, they would receive more protection when they are called up to protect this country. I thank Representative John James of Michigan and Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas for introducing important provisions to this language, and I thank my friend, Representative Ciscomani, for introducing this bill and continuing to be a champion of improving education opportunities for veterans and their dependents. My committee will continue to seek ways to level the playing field for veterans seeking education and employment so that every veteran has access to the opportunities that they want, all the while protecting the taxpayers' investment and these programs. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1458, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, 

Referenced legislation: HR1458, HR1458

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VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1933-H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] VETERANS EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2025 Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1458) to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the criteria for approval of certain independent study programs for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1458 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025'' or the ``VETS Opportunity Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. REPAYMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: TIMING; MECHANISM FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND. (a) In General.--Subsection (f) of section 3327 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``together'' and all that follows through ``before'' and inserting ``not later than 60 days after''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Additional assistance for an individual not eligible for a monthly housing stipend.--In the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a) who is described by subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that subsection, and who is not eligible for a monthly stipend payable under section 3313(c) of this title, the educational assistance payable to the individual under this chapter shall be paid-- ``(A) in a lump sum calculated by multiplying-- ``(i) the total amount of contributions described in paragraph (1)(A) with regards to such individual; and ``(ii) the sum of the number of months described in subclauses (I) and (II) of paragraph (1)(B)(i) with regards to such individual; and ``(B) to the individual not later than 60 days after the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter.''. (b) Technical Corrections and Conforming Amendment.--Such subsection is further amended-- (1) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and (2) in paragraph (1), in the heading, by inserting ``for an individual eligible for a monthly housing stipend'' after ``Additional assistance''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on August 1, 2026. SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS UNDER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) In General.--Section 3680A(a)(4)(A)(ii)(III) of such title is amended-- [[Page H1934]] (1) by inserting ``that requires regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors'' after ``course of study''; (2) in item (aa), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (3) in item (bb), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``; or''; and (4) by adding at the end by following new item: ``(cc) an institution of higher education, as such term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), that is approved to participate or participating in the student financial assistance programs authorized by title IV of that Act; and''. (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, that begins on or after August 1, 2026. SEC. 4. ABSENCE FROM CERTAIN EDUCATION DUE TO CERTAIN SERVICE. (a) Options.--Section 3691A of such title is amended by striking paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and inserting the following: ``(1) A covered member may, after receiving orders to enter a period of covered service-- ``(A) withdraw from covered education; ``(B) take a leave of absence from covered education; or ``(C) subject to subsection (d), enter into an agreement with the institution concerned to complete a course of covered education to the satisfaction of such institution concerned.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or takes a leave of absence'' and inserting ``, takes a leave of absence, or enters into an agreement''. (c) Agreement.--Such section is further amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2) by inserting, after subsection (c), the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Agreement With Institution Concerned.--A covered member may enter into an agreement under subsection (a) only if the covered member has completed at least half of a course of covered education.''. (d) Section Heading.--Such section is further amended by striking the heading and inserting ``Absence from certain education due to certain service''. (e) Table of Sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3691A and inserting the following new item: ``3691A. Absence from certain education due to certain service.''. SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMPLIANCE SURVEYS. Section 3693 of such title is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking ``not more than 10 business days of notice''; (B) by striking ``this section.'' and inserting ``this section--''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(1) in the case of an educational institution or training establishment with a time stamp database collection feature, not fewer than 10, and not more than 15, business days of notice; and ``(2) in the case of any other educational institution or training establishment, not more than 10 business days of notice.''; and (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The terms `educational institution' and `training establishment' have the meanings given such terms in section 3452 of this title. ``(2) The term `school certifying official' means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution.''. SEC. 6. NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS OF HANDBOOK UPDATES. (a) In General.--Not later than 14 business days after updating the school certifying official handbook of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide notice to all school certifying officials of such update. (b) School Certifying Official Defined.--The term ``school certifying official'' means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution. SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 31, 2033'' and inserting ``May 31, 2034''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1458, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1458, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona. This bill would modernize the GI Bill by approving hybrid and online independent study programs to meet veterans' needs. During the COVID pandemic, these institutions offered classes in both online and hybrid settings to stop the spread of COVID. These institutions also received GI Bill funding during that time. Many of these institutions were even told to move their programs to fully remote. This bill would allow these education programs to receive funding again and get more veterans into successful programs. It is clearer than ever that VA education programs need to meet veterans where they are and not the other way around. Additionally, this bill would ensure guard and reserves who get called up on orders during a semester can receive a grade. This bill would also give school certifying officials, or SCOs, time to prepare for a required survey to ensure there is no fraud, waste, or abuse at the GI Bill-eligible institution. Finally, this bill would also allow servicemembers and veterans who paid into the Montgomery GI Bill to receive their $1,200 refund if they chose to fully use their post-9/11 GI Bill. I am fully supportive of this bill as we must ensure that VA services veterans first. This bill would not only give freedom of choice for what institution veterans can attend, but when a veteran does go to school, they would receive more protection when they are called up to protect this country. I thank Representative John James of Michigan and Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas for introducing important provisions to this language, and I thank my friend, Representative Ciscomani, for introducing this bill and continuing to be a champion of improving education opportunities for veterans and their dependents. My committee will continue to seek ways to level the playing field for veterans seeking education and employment so that every veteran has access to the opportunities that they want, all the while protecting the taxpayers' investment and these programs. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1458, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Referenced legislation: HR1458, HR1458