H.R. 2494House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 1:30 AM UTC

The bill creates a new Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration inside the Department of Veterans Affairs to centralize programs that help veterans with jobs, education, housing loans, veteran‑owned business verification, and transition assistance. It establishes an Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, appointed by the President, to lead the administration. The law requires annual reporting to Congress, sets an October 1, 2022 effective date, and outlines funding and labor‑rights provisions.

Key Provisions

Creates Chapter 80 in Title 38, establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration and defining its organization and functions
Places the administration under a new Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, with a specified appointment and commission‑recommendation process
Assigns responsibility for vocational rehabilitation, education assistance, housing loan programs, veteran‑owned business verification, and the Transition Assistance Program to the new administration
Mandates an annual report to Congress on claims, outcomes, staffing, and IT spending for these programs
Authorizes $3.207 billion for FY 2022 general operating expenses of the Veterans Benefits Administration
Extends existing labor‑rights and collective‑bargaining protections to employees transferred to the new administration
Requires the VA Secretary to certify and report on the transfer of services to the new administration by specified deadlines

Legislative Activity

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13 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 19, 2021

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

April 13, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

April 13, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Economic Opportunity Subcommittee

April 29, 2021

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Discharged.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 4, 2021

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 4, 2021

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 6.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 4, 2021

HouseFloor

Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

May 17, 2021 • 3:25 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2373-2375; text: CR H2373-2375)

May 17, 2021 • 3:25 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2494.

May 17, 2021 • 3:25 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

May 17, 2021 • 3:30 PM

HouseFloor

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 403, proceedings on H.R. 2494 are considered vacated.

May 18, 2021 • 8:00 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 403, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 144, as amended; H.R. 204, as amended; H.R. 210, as amended; H.R. 240; H.R. 707, as amended; H.R. 711, as amended; H.R. 1157, as amended; H.R. 1447, as amended; H.R. 1510, as amended; H.R. 1711, as amended; H.R. 2027; H.R. 2167, as amended; H.R. 2441; H.R. 2494; H.R. 2533; H.R. 2655, as amended; H.R. 2695, H.R. 2704; H.R. 2788; H.R. 2878, as amended; and H.R. 3008.(consideration: CR H2482-2520; text: CR H2513-2514)

May 18, 2021 • 8:00 PM

HouseFloor

Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 403, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 144, as amended; H.R. 204, as amended; H.R. 210, as amended; H.R. 240; H.R. 707, as amended; H.R. 711, as amended; H.R. 1157, as amended; H.R. 1447, as amended; H.R. 1510, as amended; H.R. 1711, as amended; H.R. 2027; H.R. 2167, as amended; H.R. 2441; H.R. 2494; H.R. 2533; H.R. 2655, as amended; H.R. 2695, H.R. 2704; H.R. 2788; H.R. 2878, as amended; and H.R. 3008. (consideration: CR H2482-2520; text: CR H2513-2514)

May 18, 2021 • 8:00 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 19, 2021

Floor Debate

6 members

What members said about H.R. 2494 on the floor

4 Republicans2 Democrats

Rep. Mark TakanoD-CA-41 · May 17, 2021

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2494) to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition…

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2494) to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 2494.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to speak on H.R. 2494, introduced by Congressman Wenstrup, and which would establish a fourth administration at the Department of Veterans Affairs focused on economic opportunity and transition.

When our servicemembers conclude their time with the armed services, they are tasked with returning to civilian life. This is the sacrifice they make for our security, and in exchange, we owe them more than a thank you and well wishes. We owe them a commitment that they will be supported in their transition to civilian life, and that they will have a VA that is responsive to their needs.

That is why we passed the first GI Bill nearly 75 years ago to the day and why we continue today to make improvements in providing our Nation's veterans with the benefits they have earned.

Unfortunately, VA has struggled to track the effectiveness of programs for education and employment, and Congress has struggled to determine the Department's resource needs in these areas.

Madam Speaker, one of the main reasons we have identified through hearings and discussion with our veterans service organizations is that the Veterans Benefits Administration is simply asked to do too much. While managing compensation claims is important, the responsibility of managing transition, education, and housing benefits often takes a backseat. To put it in perspective, the Veterans Benefits Administration's structure has not significantly changed since the Veterans Administration was established in 1930.

Madam Speaker, during the last 89 years, the services needed by veterans has dramatically changed, which is why our committee has an Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. It is time for the importance of economic opportunity to be elevated at VA as well.

This bipartisan bill would create a new administration within the Department to manage educational assistance, vocational rehabilitation, and employment, education, career counseling programs, and broadly defined shared transition assistance programs. That means a dedicated Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition solely focused on fulfilling our promise to the veterans that they will get the education they want, the housing they need, and the careers they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing this important piece of legislation, H.R. 2494, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Mike BostR-IL-12 · May 17, 2021

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2494, which would direct the VA to create a new fourth administration. This new administration…

Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" CarterR-GA-1 · May 18, 2021

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 145, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 146, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 147, and ``yea'' on rollcall No.…

Rep. Steny H. HoyerD-MD-5 · May 18, 2021

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 5 of House Resolution 403, I move to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 144, H.R. 204, H.R. 210,

Rep. Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr.R-MT · May 17, 2021

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Show 1 more

Rep. Andy HarrisR-MD-1 · May 18, 2021

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued May 19, 2021

IIB

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2494

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 19, 2021

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

AN ACT

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Establishment of Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration

(a)

Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration

(1)

In general

Part V of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:

Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration

Sec.

8001. Organization of Administration.

8002. Functions of Administration.

8003. Annual report to Congress.

8001.

Organization of Administration

(a)

Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration

There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. The primary function of the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is the administration of the programs of the Department that provide assistance related to economic opportunity to veterans and their dependents and survivors.

(b)

Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity and Transition

The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is under the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of the Administration.

8002.

Functions of Administration

The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is responsible for the administration of the following programs of the Department:

(1)

Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

(2)

Educational assistance programs.

(3)

Veterans’ housing loan and related programs.

(4)

The verification of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8127 of this title, including the administration of the database of veteran-owned businesses described in such subsection.

(5)

The Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10.

(6)

Any other program of the Department that the Secretary determines appropriate.

8003.

Annual report to Congress

The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 529 of this title a report on the programs administered by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. Each such report shall include the following with respect to each such program during the fiscal year covered by that report:

(1)

The number of claims received.

(2)

The number of claims decided.

(3)

The average processing time for a claim.

(4)

The number of successful outcomes (as determined by the Secretary).

(5)

The number of full-time equivalent employees.

(6)

The amounts expended for information technology.

(2)

Clerical amendments

The tables of chapters at the beginning of title 38, United States Code, and of part V of title 38, United States Code, are each amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 79 the following new item:

80. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration8001

(b)

Effective date

Chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2022.

(c)

Authorization for appropriations for Veterans Benefits Administrations

There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2022 for the General Operating Expenses account of the Veterans Benefits Administration $3,207,000,000.

(d)

Labor rights

Any labor rights, inclusion in the bargaining unit, and collective bargaining agreement that affects an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is transferred to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply in the same manner to such employee after such transfer.

Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition

(a)

Under Secretary

(1)

In general

Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 306 the following new section:

306A.

Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition

(a)

Under Secretary

There is in the Department an Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or activity and solely on the basis of demonstrated ability in—

(1)

information technology; and

(2)

the administration of programs within the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration or programs of similar content and scope.

(b)

Responsibilities

The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition is the head of, and is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.

(c)

Vacancies

(1)

Whenever a vacancy in the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition occurs or is anticipated, the Secretary shall establish a commission to recommend individuals to the President for appointment to the position.

(2)

A commission established under this subsection shall be composed of the following members appointed by the Secretary:

(A)

Three persons representing education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, real estate, mortgage finance and related industries, and survivor benefits activities affected by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.

(B)

Two persons representing veterans served by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.

(C)

Two persons who have experience in the management of private sector benefits programs of similar content and scope to the economic opportunity and transition programs of the Department.

(D)

The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(E)

The chairman of the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education formed under section 3692 of this title.

(F)

One person who has held the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, if the Secretary determines that it is desirable for such person to be a member of the commission.

(3)

A commission established under this subsection shall recommend at least three individuals for appointment to the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. The commission shall submit all recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall forward the recommendations to the President and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives with any comments the Secretary considers appropriate. Thereafter, the President may request the commission to recommend additional individuals for appointment.

(4)

The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and labor relations functions shall serve as the executive secretary of a commission established under this subsection.

(2)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 306 the following new item:

306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition.

(b)

Conforming amendments

Title 38, United States Code, is further amended—

(1)

in section 306(c)(2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (E) and redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F), as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;

(2)

in section 317(d)(2), by inserting after Under Secretary for Benefits, the following: the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,;

(3)

in section 318(d)(2), by inserting after Under Secretary for Benefits, the following: the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,;

(4)

in section 516(e)(2)(C), by striking Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits and inserting Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition;

(5)

in section 541(a)(2)(B), by striking Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits and inserting Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition;

(6)

in section 542(a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits and inserting Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition;

(7)

in section 544(a)(2)(B)(vi), by striking Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits and inserting Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition;

(8)

in section 709(c)(2)(A), by inserting after Under Secretary for Benefits, the following: the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,;

(9)

in section 7701(a), by inserting after assistance the following: , other than assistance related to Economic Opportunity and Transition,; and

(10)

in section 7703, by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively.

(c)

Effective date

Section 306A of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on October 1, 2022.

Transfer of services

(a)

Report to Congress

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the progress toward establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 4, and the transition of the provision of services to veterans by such Administration.

(b)

Certification

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not transfer the function of providing any services to veterans to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 4 until the Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives certification that—

(1)

the transition of the provision of services to such Administration will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans;

(2)

such services are ready to be transferred.

(c)

Deadline for certification

The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives the certification required by subsection (b)—

(1)

no earlier than April 1, 2022; and

(2)

no later than September 1, 2022.

(d)

Failure To certify

If the Secretary fails to submit the certification required by subsection (b) by the date specified in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes—

(1)

the reason why the certification was not made by such date; and

(2)

the estimated date when the certification will be made.

Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.

Cheryl L. Johnson,

Clerk