March 5, 2025
Mr. Moolenaar (for himself and Ms. Scholten) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training to carry out a pilot program on short-term fellowship programs for veterans.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veterans Fellowship Act
.
Sec. 2. Pilot program on short-term fellowship programs
(a) Authority
The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training shall carry out a pilot program under which a State may use a grant or contract under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United States Code, to carry out a short-term fellowship program.
(b) Locations; agreements
The Assistant Secretary shall select at least three, but not more than five, States to carry out a short-term fellowship program pursuant to subsection (a). Each such State shall enter into an agreement with a non-profit organization to carry out such program.
(c) Short-Term fellowship program
Each short-term fellowship program carried out by a State pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
(1)
consist of veterans participating as fellows with an employer for a period not exceeding 20 weeks;
(2)
provide to such veterans a monthly stipend during such period; and
(3)
provide to such veterans an opportunity to be employed on a long-term basis with the employer following such period.
(d) Comptroller General report
Not later than four years after the date on which the pilot program commences under this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
In addition to funds made available under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United States Code, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the pilot program under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.