Rep. Derrick Van Orden, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, opened an oversight hearing focused on improving employment and training opportunities for veterans in non-traditional and high-paying industries. The hearing aimed to assess how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) supports veterans through programs such as apprenticeships, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and the Transition Assistance Program.
Van Orden began by honoring Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who is recovering from injuries, and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who died from her injuries. He stated, "Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and we hold their families, units, and all those affected in our thoughts."
He thanked witnesses for participating in the discussion about strengthening America’s workforce with veterans. Van Orden emphasized that the hearing would examine how VA provides access to non-traditional education pathways for veterans.
He expressed a desire to continue bipartisan cooperation with Ranking Member Pappas to ensure that VA programs align with current job market needs. Van Orden noted that the Department of Labor was unable to attend due to delays in Senate confirmation of President Trump’s appointees. He said, "It is critical that the Senate confirms Mr. Jeremiah Workman as soon as possible so the Committee can hear of how DOL-VETS will execute President Trump’s agenda of improving veteran programs."
Van Orden criticized past performance under the Biden administration's DOL-VETS program: "Last Congress, the Biden administration’s DOL-VETS consistently failed veterans. By the end of the Congress, their employment statistics were worse than a regular American Job Center." He added that he looks forward to hearing from Mr. Workman after his confirmation.
The chairman highlighted expanding employment and job training opportunities for veterans as a core mission of his subcommittee. He described apprenticeship programs as underutilized tools for helping veterans achieve economic success.
Van Orden also addressed national security concerns related to manufacturing: "I also serve on the Armed Services Committee. I cannot tell you enough how badly America needs to reenergize defense manufacturing so that we are always ready – for today and tomorrow – to defend our way of life."
He explained that many veterans use their GI Bill benefits soon after leaving military service but often do so without clear career direction. VA’s OJT and apprenticeship programs allow participants to receive both living stipends from their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and wages from employers during training.
According to Van Orden, few educational programs guarantee jobs upon completion: "This promise of employment through apprenticeship training is what makes this VA program so special and can help combat underemployment and suicide in our veteran population."
However, participation remains low; only 1,008 apprenticeships and 776 OJT participants were recorded in 2023—less than 1% of eligible Post 9/11 GI Bill users—with some states reporting no participants at all. Administrative expenses total approximately $241 million annually despite these low numbers.
Van Orden called these figures concerning given workforce changes in recent years.
The subcommittee has advanced several legislative measures intended to improve outcomes:
- H.R. 982 (Warriors to Workforce Act), sponsored by Van Orden himself, would increase monthly housing allowances for apprentices or trainees during months six through twelve.
- H.R. 3055 (TRANSPORT Jobs Act), led by Representative Barrett, aims to connect military veterans with supply chain jobs.
- H.R. 1458 by Representative Ciscomani seeks expanded GI Bill opportunities in mechanical fields.
- H.R. 2954 (Veterans Transition to Trucking Act), introduced by Ranking Member Pappas with Van Orden as cosponsor, would allow VA approval across multiple states for apprenticeship programs.
Van Orden concluded by noting broad bipartisan support: "Clearly, this goal of getting veterans at the forefront of critical positions in the American economy is a nonpartisan issue."
