This bill aims to improve the Veterans Readiness and Employment program by requiring better data collection and setting limits on assistance duration. It ensures veterans receive timely support and helps track their employment success.
Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act This bill modifies the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VR&E program provides job training and employment-related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill requires veterans to submit an application to the VA in order to receive an initial evaluation to participate in the VR&E program. Further, a veteran may not receive employment assistance under the VR&E program for more than 365 days. The bill also requires the VA to report to Congress regarding the employment of veterans who participate in a vocational rehabilitation program under the VR&E program, including the annual wages of veterans before and after completion of a program. Additionally, the VA must annually publish the average time between the date on which a veteran requests a vocational rehabilitation program under the VR&E program and the date on which they first meet with a counselor as part of the program. Finally, the VA must seek to enter into a contract with a non-VA entity that has expertise in vocational rehabilitation to review, report, and provide recommendations on rehabilitation programs under the VR&E program.