Vet-Tec Authorization Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time.

As a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the importance of improving services for veterans as they transition to civilian life. VET-TEC is a pilot program that started under President Trump and was led by Speaker McCarthy. Let me repeat that. VET-TEC is a highly popular and successful program that was started under President Trump that allows eligible veterans to use GI Bill-style benefits to attend innovative job training programs to prepare them for future employment in the technology industry.

Through this program, veterans can get training in high-demand areas, including computer software, computer programming, data processing, information science, and media applications. In addition to this, employment may help prevent and treat homelessness. We have seen 62 percent employment and $65,000 per year average salaries.

I am grateful that my colleague, Representative Ciscomani, introduced this important piece of legislation, which will help grow our economy and get veterans back to work. As a physician, it is no small aside that the dignity of working and having a purpose in life may also help improve mental health, which may also help improve homelessness.

The VET-TEC Authorization Act proves our commitment not only to maintaining funding levels but increasing support for veterans.

Last Congress, I led legislation to extend this important program, and I am proud to support this legislation today. This program has been widely popular and successful, and this is exactly the type of taxpayer-funded program that we can all support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation.

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