The House of Representatives today voted to approve H.R. 2011, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act, and H.R. 1742, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act, bipartisan bills sponsored by Rep. Jim Renacci (R-Ohio). Both H.R. 2011 and H.R. 1742 received broad bipartisan support and have been reported favorably to the Senate.
“I was pleased that both the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act and the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act were approved by the House of Representatives today with broad bipartisan support. Our veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices in the name of American freedom, and it is my hope that my colleagues in the Senate will recognize the importance of ensuring that our American heroes have access to affordable housing and the education and job training that they need and deserve. I was proud to work with members of our Bipartisan Working Group to advance this critical legislation that is central to our veterans’ transition back to civilian life, and I look forward to continue working to find bipartisan solutions that will prevent Washington red tape from standing in the way of our country’s heroes,” said Rep. Jim Renacci.
Rep. John Delaney (D-Maryland) added, “Standing with our veterans is one of most essential obligations. I’m honored that my legislation has received the support of numerous veterans’ organizations and enjoyed strong support in the House. As a country, we’re committed to making sure America’s heroes receive the benefits they’ve earned, including the education and job training they need to transition to civilian life. I thank my colleague and friend Congressman Renacci for partnering with me on this legislation and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to move this legislation forward.”
Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nevada) added, "The last thing our veterans should have to worry about is whether they'll have a roof over their head. Reversing the flawed HUD policy ensures vets can afford to stay in their homes and continue to receive the aid and attendance benefit that is so crucial to their daily lives."
Rep. John Carney (D-Delaware) added, “Our nation’s most sacred obligation is to care for our men and women in uniform, both when they’re serving abroad, and when they come back home. The Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act will help severely disabled veterans continue to receive the care they need to help with daily living, while having access to affordable housing. The Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act will help ensure that veterans receive the educational benefits they need and deserve. I’m proud to work with other members of our Bipartisan Working Group to get this legislation passed. ”
Background Information
The Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act is designed to improve education and career training benefits for veterans, the legislation authorizes the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education through December 31, 2015, and expands the makeup of the Committee to include post 9/11 veterans. Rep. John K. Delaney (D-Maryland) is a lead cosponsor on the bill. Find more background on H.R. 2011 HERE.
The Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act exempts from consideration of income by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)