Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Oversight Hearing

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an oversight hearing on April 7, 2026, to examine the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. The hearing focused on concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse within this multi-billion dollar VA program, particularly regarding high-cost purchases and the lack of measurable employment outcomes for veterans. Committee members discussed specific expenditures, such as costly supplies for veterans' self-employment ventures, and debated the need for caps on spending and improved oversight. VA officials testified about the program's internal controls, approval processes, and efforts to hire additional vocational rehabilitation counselors to address high caseloads and administrative burdens. Witnesses from veterans' organizations emphasized the importance of staffing, reducing administrative tasks for counselors, and ensuring the program's sustainability to better serve disabled veterans. The hearing also addressed contracting expenditures and the balance between using contractors and hiring permanent staff. Overall, the discussion highlighted the need for enhanced accountability, staffing improvements, and outcome tracking to ensure the VR&E program effectively supports veterans' employment and independence goals while safeguarding taxpayer funds.