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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6861

Congress Proposes Moving All Veteran Job Programs from Labor Department to the VA

Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Congress Proposes New VA Administration to Centralize Veteran Job Programs

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill would move several major programs for veterans from the Labor Department to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Starting October 1, 2027, the VA would take over job counseling, training, and placement services, as well as programs that help homeless veterans find work.
  • To manage these new responsibilities, the bill creates a high-level position at the VA called the Deputy Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. This person would be in charge of all policies related to helping veterans find jobs and transition back to civilian life.
  • The bill simplifies how states help veterans find work by combining two existing roles into one new position called a Veteran Employment Specialist. States would be required to hire these specialists, and they must give first priority to hiring qualified disabled veterans for these jobs.
  • The VA would also become responsible for protecting the legal rights of service members to get their old jobs back after they return from active duty. Currently, the Labor Department handles these reemployment rights cases, but this bill would move that authority to the VA.
  • Before the move happens, the VA and the Labor Department must conduct a joint study to figure out the best way to transfer employees, assets, and records. They have one year to report back to Congress with a detailed plan, including estimated costs and a timeline for the transition.
VeteransLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones3 actions
Mar 18, 2026House

Committee Hearings Held

Dec 18, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Dec 18, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

About one year after enactment

Joint study report due to Congress

The VA and Labor Department must deliver a detailed plan covering costs, employee transfers, training needs, and a timeline—giving Congress and the public a clear picture of how this move will work before it happens.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act

Bill NumberHR 6861
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionCommittee Hearings Held

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.