Congressmen Don Davis and Juan Ciscomani Introduce Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Don Davis (NC-01) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act. The bill aims to address a long standing stigma that some veterans have expressed concerns regarding their interactions with the VA.

"We must ensure that our disabled veterans feel represented and heard," said Congressman Davis."The VERY Act makes changes to let our disabled vets know that they are receiving the respect and dignity they have rightfully earned."

The change comes because veterans have overwhelmingly expressed their view that the word "handicap" is outdated and does not adequately represent veterans.

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Congress has moved to modernize our lexicon so that every disabled veteran feels comfortable using VA services.

The Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act, will make a technical fix to the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program that would replace "employment handicap" with "employment barrier" and the term "serious employment handicap" with "serious employment barrier" while leaving the definitions unchanged. The terms "employment handicap" and "serious employment handicap" are used to describe servicemembers and veterans eligible for and entitled to certain benefits and services. However, the word "handicap" is outdated, has a negative connotation in the disability community, and does not adequately represent veterans. Updating terminology will allow for improved efficiency and encourage disabled veterans to use the VRE program.

"Our veterans risked life and limb in service of our country," said Congressman Ciscomani."When they return home, they deserve our utmost gratitude and respect, especially when it comes to accessing the benefits and treatments they receive at the VA. Minor fixes like the one outlined in the VERY Act may feel small to the average civilian but can make all the difference to our men and women who served."

"The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program plays a critical role in helping disabled veterans find meaningful employment that meets their needs," said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Updating program language to improve clarity and impact reinforces the message that the VA is ready and able to help eligible veterans overcome barriers to employment."

Those who have suffered the mental and physical consequences of service have given life and limb to preserve our most cherished freedoms. When interfacing with the VA, we must ensure they feel represented and heard. VA services must not only remain available, they must be accessible to all of our heroes who once wore the uniform of our nation. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill in November 2024 and the introduced legislation is identical. No veteran, whether they served as Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve personnel, should have to fight for their lives after fighting so hard on behalf of our nation.

Congressman Don Davis serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.