Vets ETA

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Fitzpatrick and 2 co-sponsors

Converts VA transportation for VR&E into permanent authority, guaranteeing reliable, funded rides to VA facilities for veterans.

Introduced in House

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to make permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) authority to provide transportation to and from VA facilities for veterans engaging in VA-supported vocational rehabilitation or counseling.

It is framed as ensuring continuous access to VA vocational rehabilitation services by removing the need for future renewal of this transportation authority.

Key provisions

Title: The act may be cited as the “Veterans Earned Transportation Act” or the “Vets ETA.”

Permanent authority for transportation: Section 2 amends Section 111A(a) of Title 38, United States Code, to establish a permanent framework for the VA to provide transportation in connection with vocational rehabilitation or counseling.

Structural changes in the statute:
Replaces the existing introductory language with a streamlined provision beginning with “The Secretary.”
Eliminates the separate paragraph (2) within Section 111A(a), effectively consolidating and simplifying the authority.

Scope: Applies to VA facilities and services related to vocational rehabilitation and counseling, ensuring veterans have reliable transportation support as part of their VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) benefits.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Veterans who participate in VA vocational rehabilitation or counseling programs.

Affected entities: VA, its facilities, and personnel involved in VR&E services, as well as veterans’ transportation providers and partners supporting VA’s logistics for participant services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: December 10, 2025.

Status: Introduced in the House, referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Legislative actions noted:

2025-12-10: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

No explicit appropriations or funding changes are detailed in the bill text provided; the act focuses on codifying the authority’s permanency rather than establishing new funding.

Potential impact and considerations

Access and equity: By permanentizing transportation support, the bill could reduce barriers to participation in VR&E for veterans who rely on transportation assistance.

Implementation: With a permanent authority, VA can plan logistics and budgeting more predictively, though any transportation program would still require VA funding and operational resources.

Oversight: As with any transportation program, considerations include eligibility criteria, funding sources, service reliability, and coordination with other VA services.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current 38 U.S.C. provisions on VR&E transportation to highlight what changes are being codified and how it interacts with existing programs.

Bill