H.R. 5766: VET TEC Expansion Act

116th Congress

To amend the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 to expand eligibility for high technology programs of education and the class of providers who may enter into contracts with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide such programs, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Kevin McCarthy — R — CA

Authorizes service members to participate in the VET TEC pilot program if VA determines that they will become an eligible veteran within 180 days. The bill also would eliminate the requirement that institutions must have been in operation for at least two years to be eligible for contracts as long as VA determines that they employ staff with certain credentials. Lastly, it would allow programs of education that are part-time and shorter than six months in duration to participate in the program. Under the Veteran Employment through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) pilot program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts with institutions that provide training in computer programing, computer software, media application, data processing, or information services. Under those contracts, veterans who are eligible for VA education benefits can attend that training and receive monthly housing stipends while they do so. The authority to conduct the program expires in 2023, five years after the first contract was signed.

View the full vote history of this bill on GovTrack.us.