Congressman Ciscomani Introduces Bill to Permanently Authorize VET-TEC Workforce Training Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressmen Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) on Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation to cover costs for veterans seeking job training in high-tech industries.

The VET-TEC Authorization Act permanently funds the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program, which is a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Their bill earned the endorsement of two key Capitol leaders: Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost of Illinois. Speaker McCarthy originally established the program in his 2017 bill, the VET-TEC Act.

The program currently has an 84 percent graduation rate for the 12,000 veterans who’ve already completed it. The Ciscomani-Khanna bill permanently extends funding for the program, making it available to future generations of veterans.

Congressman Ciscomani, a Republican from Arizona, is a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Khanna, a Democrat from California, is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

“The VET-TEC training program has empowered thousands of our veterans in their transition from the battlefield to the workforce,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Not only does it create highly skilled workers for a rapidly changing industry, but it gives our veterans the dignity of a successful, fulfilling career. By providing permanent authorization for this program, we are creating this same opportunity for thousands of more veterans to come.”

“Every American should be able to participate in the digital revolution,” said Congressman Khanna. “Our veterans have a unique set of experiences and skills to offer, and we need to ensure there’s a permanent pipeline to bring those future innovators into our 21st century workforce. This is a historic chance to extend opportunities for veterans in the technology industry.”

“Arming our nation’s heroes with technological skills they can use after they transition to the civilian sector is one of the most beneficial ways we can repay our profound debt of gratitude for their service,” said Speaker McCarthy. “As the sponsor of the original VET-TEC Act signed into law in 2017, I am pleased to see continued bipartisan support for this program, and I commend Representatives Ciscomani and Khanna for their shared commitment to helping our servicemembers prepare for our nation’s workforce.”

“As the tech industry continues to boom, more and more Americans are seeking high-paying jobs in the technology sector,” said Chairman Bost. “House Republicans took a risk when we created the VET-TEC pilot program in 2017 to help veterans gain access to the skills needed to be hired by these companies. Since then, VET-TEC has trained thousands of veterans for jobs in the tech industry with an 84% graduation rate. Simply put, this job training program helps veterans – and their families – live out the American Dream. I’m grateful to Rep. Ciscomani for his leadership to make improvements to the VET-TEC program and make it permanent. I look forward to passing this vitally important bill out of the House as soon as possible.”

Among the supporters of the bill is Alex Rodriguez, a veteran and member of Congressman Ciscomani’s Citizens Advisory Council.

“The VET-TEC program has been a resounding success providing cutting-edge skills to troops in transition,” said Rodriguez. “Permanently authorizing this program will allow thousands of veterans to obtain high value technical skills that arm them with a competitive advantage in the talent marketplace. I applaud Congressman Ciscomani's continued advocacy for our veteran communities by introducing impactful solutions to improve their lives after discharge.”

The legislation also is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

“The American Legion proudly supports the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023. VET-TEC has been a successful program connecting eligible student veterans with training and enabling a quick integration into the labor market,” said Chanin Nuntavong, Executive Director of the American Legion. “We thank Congressman Ciscomani for his leadership and commitment to make VET-TEC a permanent program for transitioning service members and veterans – and ensuring they have access to the benefits and education necessary to succeed.”

“DAV knows that a veteran’s transition to civilian life is not complete until they are able to secure meaningful employment that allows them to live their life with respect and dignity,” said Jim Marszalek, National Service Director for DAV. “We also know that every veteran travels their own unique path in pursing their new career, which is why the VET-TEC program remains such a valuable option for many of our nation’s veterans. DAV is proud to support the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023, which would permanently authorize this crucial VA program, and we applaud Rep. Ciscomani for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”

“Roughly 250,000 servicemembers transition out of the military every year and giving our brave men and women who served options on what their next career path will be is essential,” said Mike Simon, Commander of the Arizona American Legion. “Since the launch of the VET-TEC pilot program in 2019, over 12,000 veterans have utilized the program to train in high-demand technology jobs. Making this program permanent will allow more veterans to train and learn valuable skills in the technology sector, and I am proud that Rep. Ciscomani is leading this effort.”

The VET-TEC Authorization Act is Congressman Ciscomani’s third bill and his second focused on veterans’ services. The Arizona congressman’s district is home to over 73,000 veterans, one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the country.