House Passes Ciscomani’s VETS Opportunity Act to Expand GI Bill Access and Support Student Veterans

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation introduced by Congressman Juan Ciscomani to modernize the GI Bill, expand access to educational opportunities and ensure the fair treatment of student veterans, National Guardsmen and Reservists.

The VETSOpportunity Act of 2025 (H.R. 1458) passed yesterday evening. The legislation now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"I am honored to represent nearly 80,000 veterans in Southern Arizona," said Rep. Ciscomani. "I know firsthand when service members transition to civilian life, they bring discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic. Too often, the system limits how they can use the benefits they earned. The VETSOpportunity Act changes that by modernizing the GI Bill and expanding access to high-quality certificates and technical training programs, possibly offered in a hybrid format, that lead directly to good-paying jobs in high-demand fields."

Many veterans lack access to flexible, non-traditional education pathways that lead to in-demand, high-earning careers. The VETSOpportunity Act expands GI Bill eligibility for accredited certificate programs and correcting inequities affecting active-duty service members, Guardsmen and Reservists.

The bill - Ciscomani's fourth veterans-focused bill to pass the House in the 119th Congress - also creates parity for National Guard and Reserve student veterans who are called to active duty during a semester, allowing them to receive grades, just as active-duty service members already can, so they are not forced to retake coursework they have substantially completed. In addition, the legislation allows active-duty service members to be reimbursed for the $1,200 GI Bill contribution when their final months of eligibility are used while on active duty.

Ciscomani noted that the VETSOpportunity Act of 2025 empowers veterans to tailor their education to their career goals while helping fill workforce shortages in.

"Not every veteran wants or needs a traditional four-year degree," the congressman said. "Many want fast, skills-based training that connects them to careers in the trades, health care, technology, and other critical fields. This bill recognizes reality and gives veterans the flexibility to choose the path that works best for them and their families. This legislation empowers our nation's veterans, strengthens our workforce, and honors the promise this country made to those who served. By strengthening education benefits, we empower veterans, build a stronger workforce, and drive a stronger economy."

The VETSOpportunity Act of 2025 is Ciscomani's fifth piece of legislation to advance through the chamber.

Ciscomani's remarks on the VETSOpportunity Act of 2025 can be viewed here. A summary and full text of the bill can be seen here.

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