VET Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 21, 2026
Bottom line
The VET Act of 2025 aims to boost employment for military-affiliated individuals in the energy sector by providing financial incentives to employers, while also streamlining federal transition services.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the "Veterans Energy Transition Act of 2025" (VET Act of 2025), creating a grant program within the Department of Labor. This program will reimburse eligible energy industry entities for costs incurred when hiring separating service members, veterans, and their spouses. It also repeals expired authorities and mandates coordination with existing military transition programs.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill addresses two critical needs: providing meaningful employment opportunities for transitioning service members and veterans in a high-demand sector, and strengthening the energy workforce with skilled, disciplined individuals. They contend it helps bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers, particularly in a growing industry vital to national security and economic stability.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that such targeted grant programs can distort labor markets, create unnecessary administrative overhead, or that existing federal and private sector initiatives are sufficient to address veteran employment challenges. Some may also question the efficiency of federal grants versus broader economic incentives or direct training programs.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Repeal of Expired Authorities
This section repeals sections 1152 and 1153 of title 10, United States Code. These sections likely contained previous, now expired, assistance programs for separating military members. This legislative cleanup removes obsolete statutes to make way for the new program established by this bill.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this is standard legislative practice to remove obsolete or expired statutes, ensuring the United States Code remains current and avoids confusion with new programs.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it is a technical cleanup of existing law.
Tradeoffs
None apparent; this is a technical amendment to clear the statute book.
Section 2(b), inserting new section 1152 into Chapter 58 of title 10, United States Code
Establishment of Grant Program for Military-Affiliated Employment in the Energy Industry
This provision establishes a new grant program, to be carried out by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Transition Executive Committee. The program provides grants to eligible entities in the energy industry that hire "covered individuals," which include members of the Armed Forces eligible for preseparation counseling, veterans, and their spouses. Grant funds reimburse employers for costs associated with hiring these individuals, such as training, certification, and relocation.
Section 2(b), new 10 U.S.C. 1152(d)
Grant Fund Authorized Uses and Maximum Amounts
This provision specifies that grant funds can be used to reimburse grantees for costs such as relevant licensure, certification, training, education, recruitment, orientation, and relocation for covered individuals. It also sets limits: a grantee may not be awarded more than $10,000 per covered individual hired and no more than $500,000 total under the program in any fiscal year.
Section 2(b), new 10 U.S.C. 1152(h)
Authorization of Appropriations and Administrative Costs
This section authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 to the Department of Labor for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to carry out the grant program. It also stipulates that no more than 15 percent of the appropriated funds in any fiscal year may be spent on administrative costs.
The grant program is to be carried out by the Secretary of Labor "in consultation with the Transition Executive Committee," which is defined by reference to 38 U.S.C. 320(b)(2). This committee is a subordinate committee of the Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee.
Section 2(b), new 10 U.S.C. 1152(a) and 1152(i)(7)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative drafting practice to avoid re-stating existing statutory definitions and structures, ensuring integration with established interagency coordination mechanisms.
Case for: Referencing existing committees ensures integration with established interagency coordination mechanisms for veteran transition services, leveraging existing expertise and avoiding redundant structures.
Case against: A reader unfamiliar with 38 U.S.C. 320(b)(2) would need to consult external statutes to fully understand the nature of the consultation and the committee's role, potentially obscuring the full scope of interagency involvement.
Estimated impact: Ensures interagency input into the grant program's design and implementation, potentially improving its effectiveness and alignment with broader transition efforts.