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Today, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared at the start of the subcommittee’s oversight hearing to explore different pathways for veterans to find meaningful careers to enter into non-traditional, high paying industries to boost the veteran workforce and build the American economy.

Good morning.

The Subcommittee will come to order.

The Chair may declare a recess at any time.

Before we begin I want to take a moment of silence to recognize Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who is recovering, and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom who sadly passed from her injuries.

Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and we hold their families, units, and all those affected in our thoughts.

Thank you.

I want to thank our witnesses for being here today to discuss ways to strengthen America’s workforce with one of the best populations of Americans: veterans.

The purpose of today’s hearing is to examine how the Department of Veterans Affairs provides opportunities for veterans to explore non-traditional education, whether that be through apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training (OJT), or the Transition Assistance Program.

I look forward to continuing the nonpartisan spirit of this Subcommittee, alongside Ranking Member Pappas, to ensure VA is working in lockstep with today’s job market to meet the needs of today’s veterans.

Unfortunately, the Department of Labor was unable to come because the Senate has continued to slow walk the confirmation of President Trump’s political appointees.

It is critical that the Senate confirms Mr. Jeremiah Workman as soon as possible so the Committee can hear of how DOL-VETS will execute President Trump’s agenda of improving veteran programs.

Last Congress, the Biden administration’s DOL-VETS consistently failed veterans.

By the end of the Congress, their employment statistics were worse than a regular American Job Center.

This Committee must hear how DOL-VETs is going to turn it around, and I look forward to having Mr. Workman testify shortly after he is confirmed.

Expanding employment and job training opportunities for veterans is a core mission of this Subcommittee.

Today, we are here to review what I believe to be one of the best, yet underutilized programs designed to help veterans achieve economic opportunity and success.

This hearing is not only about getting these VA programs back on track, but it is also to note the importance of shoring up American manufacturing as a national security issue.

I also serve on the Armed Services Committee. I cannot tell you enough how badly America needs to reenergize defense manufacturing so that we are always ready – for today and tomorrow – to defend our way of life.

One of the best ways to do that is to show these companies that have jobs available, that there are thousands of veterans ready and willing to fill them.

Many veterans use their GI Bill within a year of transitioning out of the military, oftentimes as a fallback option when they do not know what their next mission is.

Veterans using VA’s OJT and apprenticeship programs are able to supplement their incomes with both the living stipend payments from VA for their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, as well as the wages from their employer while they are enrolled in these VA programs. At the end of their training program, they are able to step right into a beneficial career.

I don’t know of many majors or programs at institutions of higher learning that can promise a job at the end of their programs. This promise of employment through apprenticeship training is what makes this VA program so special and can help combat underemployment and suicide in our veteran population.

In VA’s most recent annual benefits report, the number of veterans using their post 9/11 GI bill to pursue OJT or apprenticeship continues to decline. In 2023, there were only 1,008 apprenticeships and 776 OJT participants, representing less than 1% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill population.

With some states having zero individuals participating in this VA program. We are spending around $241 million a year on administrative expenses, which include staff salaries and counseling services for such a low success rate.

The number of veterans in the program and our administrative spending are concerning, especially given the evolving needs of today's workforce in the 21st century.

This Congress, my Subcommittee has championed key legislation regarding VA’s apprenticeship programs.

My bill, H.R. 982, the Warriors to Workforce Act, would increase the monthly housing allowance that a veteran pursuing an apprenticeship or on-the-job training receives during months 6-12 from 80% to 90%.

Additionally, Representative Barrett led a bill that passed the House, H.R. 3055, the TRANSPORT Jobs Act, which would connect military veterans with supply chain employment while helping veterans secure careers that put their skills and experience to use.

My friend from Arizona, Representative Ciscomani has an important bill H.R. 1458 that would expand GI Bill opportunities to get veterans into mechanical fields.

Even Ranking Member Pappas has a bill which I am a cosponsor of, H.R. 2954, the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, which would allow VA to act as a State Approving Agent for apprenticeship programs in more than one state to receive VA approval.

Clearly, this goal of getting veterans at the forefront of critical positions in the American economy is a nonpartisan issue.

I now yield to the Ranking Member for his opening remarks.