Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act

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.