WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Wittman (VA-01) announced the introduction of his legislation that will amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide reimbursements for licensing and exam fees under the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) provides support for veterans seeking employment. While helpful, it misses a critical opportunity to get veterans jobs. The VRRAP was designed to offer opportunities for veterans to find new employment during the pandemic through funding for educational opportunities. While VRRAP lowers the financial barrier to enter these programs, it does not lower the financial barrier to complete the program - leaving those facing financial hardship in a position where they are stuck with steep licensing and examination fees.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was stressful for all Americans, veterans included,” said Congressman Wittman. “The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers critical education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this program is a well-intended opportunity for our nation’s veterans, many have found themselves with a financial burden given the current reimbursement process. This legislation will give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs discretion on how to pay out those funds already appropriated for VRRAP. Allowing veterans to use these dollars to offset the high cost of licensing and examination fees would be a critical step in helping veterans return to the workforce. I hope to see this legislation become law and provide better policies and care for our nation’s heroes.”
To learn more about Congressman Wittman’s legislation, click
here. To learn more about the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), click
here.
