House passes bill easing VA counselor requirements for veterans
Veterans gain access to more counselors for job and education help
The House voted 402-2 to pass H.R. 980 on February 2, 2026, under suspension of the rules (requiring a two-thirds majority)
Republicans voted 201-1 and Democrats voted 201-1
This overwhelming bipartisan support is unusual in the current Congress but typical for veterans legislation The bill now moves to the Senate.
Key Concepts
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Veterans Benefits Administration
Government system providing benefits to military veterans
Due Process
The fundamental constitutional requirement that government follow fair procedures and apply laws reasonably to protect life, liberty, and property.
Congressional Oversight
Congressional authority to investigate the executive branch and compel compliance with subpoenas.
Key People
3
Derrick Van Orden
U.S. Representative (R-WI), Chair of Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Van Orden sponsored H.R. 980 based on his 26 years of Navy SEAL service. He retired as a Senior Chief with five combat deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other theaters. His military background gave him credibility on veterans issues and helped build bipartisan support for the bill, which passed 402-2.
Mike Bost
U.S. Representative (R-IL), Chairman of House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Bost chairs the full House Veterans' Affairs Committee and shepherded H.R. 980 through the committee markup process. He has led the committee's legislative agenda for the 119th Congress, including multiple veterans reform bills that passed alongside H.R. 980.
Doug Collins
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Collins was confirmed as VA Secretary on February 4, 2025, by a 77-23 Senate vote. As VA Secretary, Collins would implement the bill's requirements including hiring outreach specialists, eliminating the master's degree requirement for VSOC counselors, and approving non-degree flight training programs. He is a former U.S. Representative from Georgia.
What you can do
Learn about Veterans Readiness & Employment program benefits
resource
If you are a veteran or know veterans transitioning to civilian careers, the VR&E program provides job counseling, education planning, and career services. The program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. Once this bill becomes law, it will increase outreach and make counseling more accessible by removing the master's degree barrier and capping caseloads at 25 veterans per counselor.
Contact your Senator about H.R. 980
civic action
H.R. 980 passed the House 402-2 and now needs Senate approval before reaching President Trump's desk. Contact your Senators to express support or concerns about the Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act. The bill's bipartisan House support suggests Senate passage is likely, but constituent input can influence timing and any amendments.