Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 7103 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7103

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide greater opportunities for veterans to pursue education programs involving emerging technologies, and for other purposes.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 15, 2026

Mr. Hamadeh of Arizona introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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A BILL

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''.

SEC. 2. 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 positions 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 positions. (b) Prominent Dissemination.--The Secretary shall ensure that such emerging technologies, and such courses of education, industries, and positions, are prominently included in the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code, and prominently displayed on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (c) Expedited Approval Process.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an expedited process for the approval, as provided in chapters 34, 35, and 36 of title 38 United States Code, of courses of education identified under subsection (a)(2). (d) Determination of Emerging Technologies.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, determine which technologies of critical importance, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, shall be treated as emerging technologies for purposes of this section. (e) Definition of Critical Stakeholders.--In this section, the term ``critical stakeholders'' means entities in the private sector that have an interest in supporting veterans to pursue 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 non-profit organizations. (f) Sunset.--This section shall terminate on September 30, 2027.

SEC. 3. 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:

``3699C. High technology and emerging technology program.''. (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''. <all>