02-24-2022, 10:59 PM
H.R. 637/S.134: The Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2021
Congress has perhaps no greater calling than the calling to help those who have served live their version of
the American dream once they hang up their uniforms and to put the numerous skills and talents that
veterans developed in service to use in their civilian lives. In 2019, the veteran unemployment rate was just
3.1%, the lowest in 19 years. However, due to the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
the veteran unemployment rate rose to 5.3% as of December 2020. More than 81% of the over 462,000
veterans unemployed at the start of 2021 are in their prime working years between the ages of 22 and 66.
Helping these veterans affected by the pandemic get back on their feet should be one of Congress’ highest
priorities.
On 8 FEB, Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced VFW-supported H.R. 637. A few days prior, Sens. Tester
(D-MT) and Moran (R-KS) introduced the senate version S.134 of this legislation. This important
legislation would provide 12 months of retraining benefits to certain veterans who became unemployed as
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility criteria for obtaining this retraining benefit includes:
Being between the ages of 22 and 66
Having an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge;
Non-eligibility eligible for any other VA education benefits.
Non-enrolment in another Federal of State job training program,
Not receiving disability compensation for reasons that have led to unemployability, or in receipt
of any unemployment benefit when they begin training under this program.
Members of the National Guard or Reserve who were called up on Federal orders to assist states with the
COVID-19 response would also be eligible for the rapid retraining program as long as they meet the other
age, unemployment, and discharge requirements.
Congress has perhaps no greater calling than the calling to help those who have served live their version of
the American dream once they hang up their uniforms and to put the numerous skills and talents that
veterans developed in service to use in their civilian lives. In 2019, the veteran unemployment rate was just
3.1%, the lowest in 19 years. However, due to the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
the veteran unemployment rate rose to 5.3% as of December 2020. More than 81% of the over 462,000
veterans unemployed at the start of 2021 are in their prime working years between the ages of 22 and 66.
Helping these veterans affected by the pandemic get back on their feet should be one of Congress’ highest
priorities.
On 8 FEB, Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced VFW-supported H.R. 637. A few days prior, Sens. Tester
(D-MT) and Moran (R-KS) introduced the senate version S.134 of this legislation. This important
legislation would provide 12 months of retraining benefits to certain veterans who became unemployed as
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility criteria for obtaining this retraining benefit includes:
Being between the ages of 22 and 66
Having an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge;
Non-eligibility eligible for any other VA education benefits.
Non-enrolment in another Federal of State job training program,
Not receiving disability compensation for reasons that have led to unemployability, or in receipt
of any unemployment benefit when they begin training under this program.
Members of the National Guard or Reserve who were called up on Federal orders to assist states with the
COVID-19 response would also be eligible for the rapid retraining program as long as they meet the other
age, unemployment, and discharge requirements.