May 14, 2026
Mr. McCormick (for himself and Mr. Gallego) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide greater opportunities for veterans to pursue education programs involving emerging technologies, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Inclusion of emerging technologies in high technology program
(a) In general
Section 3699C of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading by striking High technology
and inserting High technology and emerging technology
;
(2)
by striking high technology
and inserting high technology or emerging technology
each place such term appears; and
(3)
in subsection (c)(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(E)
Such criteria shall also identify which technologies of critical importance, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, shall be treated as emerging technologies for purposes of this section.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3699D and inserting the following new item:
(c) Conforming amendments
Section 3680A of title 38, United States Code, is amended in each of subsections (a)(4)(B) and (d)(8) by striking high technology
and inserting high technology or emerging technology
.
Sec. 3. Critical stakeholder partnerships for emerging technologies
(a) Partnerships required
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with critical stakeholders, shall—
(1)
identify specific types of industries and occupations that, as a result of emerging technologies, are likely to have high employment and growth potential for individuals with appropriate education, training, or skills; and
(2)
identify courses of education that help veterans acquire the appropriate education, training, or skills to become employed in such industries and occupations.
(b) Prominent dissemination
(1) Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Secretary shall ensure that such emerging technologies, and such courses of education, industries, and occupations, are—
(A)
prominently displayed on the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(B)
promoted in transition services administered by the Secretary.
(2) Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that such emerging technologies, and such courses of education, industries, and occupations, are—
(A)
prominently displayed on the website of the Department of Defense; and
(B)
promoted in transition services administered by the Secretary of Defense.
(3) Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Labor shall ensure that such emerging technologies, and such courses of education, industries, and occupations, are promoted in transition services administered by the Secretary of Labor.
(c) Determination of emerging technologies
The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor—
(1)
determine which technologies of critical importance, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, shall be treated as emerging technologies for purposes of this section; and
(2)
on a quarterly basis—
(A)
update the list of industries and occupations identified in subsection (a)(1) as market conditions and demand evolve; and
(B)
use the updated list in carrying out subsection (b).
(d) Sunset
This section shall terminate on September 30, 2027.
(e) Critical stakeholders defined
In this section, the term critical stakeholders means persons in the private sector who have an interest in supporting veterans to pursue veteran education programs involving emerging technologies, such as employers in relevant industries, educational institutions offering relevant programs (whether or not leading to a standard college degree), and nonprofit organizations.