U.S. House of Representatives Passes Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman DonDavis (NC-01) announced the passage of H.R. 2625, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Actof 2025, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following a markup in the House Veterans Affairs Committee on May 6, the legislation advanced to the House floor for consideration and passed by a voice vote, without objection. H.R. 2625 now heads to the United States Senate for further consideration.

 

“The VERY Act of 2025 makes changes to let our disabled veterans know that they are receiving the respect and dignity they have rightfully earned, and this technical fix will go a long way to serve disabled veterans better,” said Congressman Davis. 

 

The change comes because veterans have overwhelmingly expressed their view that the word “handicap” is outdated and does not adequately represent veterans.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 of 2025 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 However, the word “handicap” is outdated, has a negative connotation in the disability community, and does not adequately represent veterans.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 enable improved efficiency and encourage disabled veterans to utilize the VRE program. 

 

“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, but they must also be accessible to all of our heroes who once wore the uniform of our nation. 

 

The U.S. House of Representatives first passed the legislation during the 118th Congress on November 18, 2024. The text of H.R. 2625 is identical to that of H.R. 7653 in the 118th Congress.

 

Congressman DonDavis 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.