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Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act
5/11/2023, 3:43 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2878
The program would be known as the VetSuccess program and would aim to improve the educational and career outcomes of Native American veterans by offering them access to counseling, job placement assistance, and other support services. The bill specifies that the program would be implemented at at least three tribal colleges or universities, with a focus on serving veterans in rural and underserved areas.
The bill also requires the VA to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the program, including data on the number of veterans served, the types of services provided, and the outcomes achieved. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for funding the program and ensuring that it is carried out in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. Overall, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act aims to address the unique needs of Native American veterans and improve their access to education and employment opportunities. It is currently being considered by Congress and has garnered bipartisan support.
Congressional Summary of HR 2878
Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take specified actions to assist veterans with education, employment, and housing.
First, the bill requires the VA to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide on-campus benefits assistance and counseling to eligible students at tribal colleges and universities. An eligible student is a student who (1) is a veteran, a service member, or a dependent of a veteran or service member; and (2) is eligible for any service or benefit under the VetSuccess on Campus program.
Next, the bill increases through FY2023 the annual funding limit for the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses pilot program.
In addition, the bill authorizes the VA to provide educational assistance, including a monthly housing stipend, to an eligible veteran who is pursuing an educational program on less than a half-time basis during the veteran's last semester, term, or academic period of enrollment.
The bill extends to December 9, 2030, certain housing loan fees under the VA home loan program.
Finally, the bill extends to September 30, 2025, the authority of the VA to enter into agreements with certain entities to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans. The bill also revises the program, including by allowing the VA to enter into agreements with tribal entities.
