SCHNEIDER INTRODUCES BILLS TO SUPPORT VETERANS THROUGH JOB TRAINING AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chair-Elect of the New Democrat Coalition and a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means Committees, introduced two bills that aim to support U.S. veterans, the GI Internship Program Act and the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act. Together, these initiatives reflect Schneider's commitment to addressing critical challenges faced by veterans as they transition to civilian life.

The GI Internship Program Act seeks to expand the employment options available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill by allowing veterans to use their benefits as a stipend to participate in career transition internships with qualifying employers. The program would focus on industries facing significant skills gaps, such as manufacturing and small business, and is designed to provide on-the-job training that complements classroom learning.

"Since 1944, we've offered educational opportunities to returning veterans, but some skills are best learned hands-on," said Schneider. "The GI Internship Program Act connects veterans with employers, enabling them to gain valuable experience while bridging the skills gap in our economy."

The program includes strict reporting requirements to ensure its effectiveness and requires veterans to work at least 35 hours per week for six months to a year. Participating businesses must provide meaningful training and demonstrate a reasonable expectation of hiring the veteran after successful completion of the internship.

Schneider also reintroduced the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act to address the alarming issue of veteran homelessness. This legislation would create a convenient "check-off box" on annual tax returns, allowing taxpayers to voluntarily donate a portion of their refunds to support programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness among veterans.

"It is unacceptable that on any given night in American more than 33,000 veterans are homeless on any given night in America," said Schneider. "This bill offers a simple way for Americans to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our country and ensures that no veteran is left without a place to call home."

The contributions raised would be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Departments of Labor and Housing and Urban Development, to support homeless veteran programs and innovative strategies to prevent homelessness. The bill mandates rigorous oversight, requiring detailed reports to Congress on fund usage and planned expenditures.

These efforts build on Schneider's broader legislative agenda to support veterans. He helped pass the THRIVE Act, which facilitates higher education and career transitions for veterans, and the Honoring Our PACT Act, enhancing healthcare access for those exposed to toxic chemicals during service. Schneider also championed the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act, codifying the Boots to Business program to help veterans launch and grow small businesses.

Bill text for theGI Internship Program Act can be found hereand text for the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act can be found here.

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