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The House overwhelmingly passed the Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act, which expands job training and counseling options for veterans. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
This vote was to pass H.R. 980, a bill designed to modernize how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans transition into the workforce. Key provisions allow the VA to use more counselors on college campuses, permit disabled veterans to use their benefits for flight training, and require the VA to respond to requests for training extensions within 30 days. It also extends certain pension limits for veterans in long-term care for an additional six months. This vote was held under a process called 'suspension of the rules.' In Congress, this is a fast-track method used for bills that are not expected to be controversial. Because it skips some of the usual debating steps, the bill must earn a two-thirds majority (66.7%) to pass, rather than the standard simple majority (over 50%). The measure passed with nearly unanimous support, with a final count of 402 to 2. This strong bipartisan result indicates a high level of agreement between both parties on improving veteran benefits. The bill has now been sent to the Senate, where it will be reviewed by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This legislation removes administrative hurdles for veterans seeking career transitions and ensures they receive faster responses regarding their education benefits.
Who’s affected. Disabled Veterans: Gain access to VA-funded flight training programs even if they are not part of a standard college degree. · Student Veterans: Will have easier access to career and educational counseling on college campuses through a broader pool of providers. · VA Program Applicants: Benefit from a new 30-day legal deadline for the VA to decide on training program extensions.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was united in support, with 94 members voting in favor and none opposed.
Republicans. Republicans supported the bill almost unanimously, with 98 members voting yes and only one voting against the measure.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Feb 2, 2026
The House overwhelmingly passed the Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act, which expands job training and counseling options for veterans.
The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
This vote used a 'suspension of the rules' process, which is a shortcut for passing bills that most members already agree on. To succeed, the bill needed support from at least two-thirds of the members present instead of just a simple majority.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.
This legislation removes administrative hurdles for veterans seeking career transitions and ensures they receive faster responses regarding their education benefits.
Both parties overwhelmingly supported the measure, resulting in a nearly unanimous vote that reflects broad bipartisan consensus on veterans' issues.
The Democratic caucus was united in support, with 94 members voting in favor and none opposed.
Republicans supported the bill almost unanimously, with 98 members voting yes and only one voting against the measure.
The sole independent member present voted in favor of the bill.