House Proceedings on H.R. 2523, THRIVE Act — Congressional Record, April 20, 2021
Summary
Page H1965 of the House section of the Congressional Record for April 20, 2021, carrying the text of H.R. 2523, the THRIVE Act, which amends the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to improve the COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance program. The text requires the Secretary of Labor to contact each veteran who completes a program 30, 60, 90 and 180 days afterward and to submit quarterly reports. A Clerk's message reports that the Senate agreed to S. Res. 163 on the death of a former Senator, and rule text provides for a joint session on April 28, 2021 to receive the President. A speaker says the bill can reduce veteran unemployment, which is that speaker's view.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“House Proceedings on H.R. 2523, THRIVE Act — Congressional Record, April 20, 2021.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-04-20-crec-2021-04-20-pt1-pgh1965-5-a962db7dab/
, SHA-256 7b9882db01d1554804d467cf2e398d161e158713eed6fe386e0e9efe7c2df3a3.Full text
April 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1965
of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- bill (H.R. 2523) to amend the American Secretary of Labor, shall contact each vet-
tives, the Clerk received the following mes- Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to improve the eran who completes a covered program of
sage from the Secretary of the Senate on COVID–19 Veteran Rapid Retraining education under the retraining assistance
April 20, 2021, at 9:42 a.m.: Assistance program, to make certain program under this section 30, 60, 90, and 180
That the Senate agreed to Relative to the days after the veteran completes such pro-
death of the Honorable William ‘‘Bill’’ Emer-
technical corrections to the Johnny
gram of education to ask the veteran about
son Brock III, former United States Senator Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Vet- the experience of the veteran in the retrain-
for the State of Tennessee S. Res. 163. erans Health Care and Benefits Im- ing assistance program and the veteran’s em-
Appointments: provement Act of 2020, and for other ployment status.
Board of Visitors of the U.S. Coast Guard purposes, as amended.
‘‘(i) QUARTERLY REPORTS.—Not later than
Academy. The Clerk read the title of the bill.
the date that is one year after the date of the
National Council on Disability. The text of the bill is as follows: enactment of this Act, and quarterly there-
With best wishes, I am, H.R. 2523 after, the Secretary of Labor shall submit to
Sincerely, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the
CHERYL L. JOHNSON, resentatives of the United States of America in Senate and House of Representatives a re-
Clerk. Congress assembled, port containing the following information
f SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. about veterans who participate in the re-
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Training in training assistance program under this sec-
RECESS High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Em- tion:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ployment Act’’ or the ‘‘THRIVE Act’’. ‘‘(1) The percentage of such veterans who
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO COVID–19 VETERAN found employment before the end of the sec-
ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair RAPID RETRAINING ASSISTANCE ond calendar quarter after exiting the pro-
declares the House in recess subject to PROGRAM.
gram.
the call of the Chair. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 8006 of the Amer-
‘‘(2) The percentage of such veterans who
Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 13 ican Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–
found employment before the end of the
minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- 2) is amended—
fourth calendar quarter after exiting the pro-
(1) by striking paragraph (3) of subsection
cess. gram.
(c) and inserting the following new para-
f ‘‘(3) The median earnings of all such vet-
graph (3):
erans for the second quarter after exiting the
‘‘(3) DETERMINATION OF HIGH-DEMAND OCCU-
b 1415 PATIONS.—
program.
‘‘(A) INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION.—In carrying ‘‘(4) The percentage of such veterans who
AFTER RECESS attain a recognized postsecondary credential
out this section, the Secretary shall use the
The recess having expired, the House list of high-demand occupations prepared in during the 12-month period after exiting the
was called to order by the Speaker pro conjunction with the Secretary of Labor. program.
tempore (Ms. JAYAPAL) at 2 o’clock and ‘‘(B) MODIFICATIONS.—The Secretary of ‘‘(j) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT.—Not
15 minutes p.m. Veterans Affairs may add and remove occu- later than 180 days after the termination of
pations from the list under subparagraph (A) the retraining assistance program under sub-
f as the Secretary determines appropriate.’’; section (l), the Comptroller General shall
(2) in subsection (d)(3)— submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Af-
COMMUNICATION FROM THE (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph fairs of the Senate and House of Representa-
CLERK OF THE HOUSE (A), by inserting ‘‘(other than such a pro- tives a report on the outcomes and effective-
The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- gram pursued solely through distance learn- ness of the program.’’;
fore the House the following commu- ing on a half-time basis or less)’’ after ‘‘a (5) in subsection (l), as so redesignated, by
nication from the Clerk of the House of covered program of education under the re- striking ‘‘No retraining assistance may be
training assistance program under this sec- paid under this section after the date that is
Representatives: tion’’; and 21 months after the date of the enactment of
OFFICE OF THE CLERK, (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘less this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘No retraining as-
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, than a half-time basis’’ and inserting ‘‘a sistance may be paid under this section for a
Washington, DC, April 20, 2021. half-time basis or less’’; covered program of education that begins on
Hon. NANCY PELOSI, (3) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), and or after December 11, 2022’’;
Speaker, House of Representatives, (h) as subsections (k), (l), and (m), respec- (6) in subsection (m), as so redesignated, by
Washington, DC. tively; striking the period at the end and inserting
DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the (4) by inserting after subsection (e) the fol- the following: ‘‘, which shall be carried out
permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II lowing new subsections: as if such section were authorized for the
of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- ‘‘(f) EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary payment of readjustment and rehabilitation
tives, the Clerk received the following mes- of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the benefits to or on behalf of veterans under
sage from the Secretary of the Senate on Secretary of Labor, shall contact each vet- chapters 30, 31, and 41 of title 38, United
April 20, 2021, at 12:26 p.m.: eran who pursues a covered program of edu- States Code. Not more than $386,000,000 may
Appointments: cation under this section— be obligated or expended to carry out this
United States Holocaust Memorial Council ‘‘(1) not later than 30 days after the date on section.’’; and
for the 117th Congress. which the veteran begins the program of edu- (7) by adding at the end the following new
With best wishes, I am, cation to notify the veteran of the avail- subsection:
Sincerely, ability of employment placement services
CHERYL L. JOHNSON, upon completion of the program; and ‘‘(n) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
Clerk. ‘‘(2) not later than 14 days after the date on ‘‘(1) The term ‘covered public health emer-
which the veteran completes, or terminates gency’ means the declaration—
f ‘‘(A) of a public health emergency, based
participation in, such program to facilitate
the provision of employment placement serv- on an outbreak of COVID–19 by the Sec-
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
ices to such veteran. retary of Health and Human Services under
PRO TEMPORE section 319 of the Public Health Service Act
‘‘(g) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.—
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- (42 U.S.C. 247d); or
ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair erans Affairs shall seek to enter into a ‘‘(B) of a domestic emergency, based on an
will postpone further proceedings memorandum of understanding with one or outbreak of COVID–19 by the President, the
more qualified nonprofit organizations for Secretary of Homeland Security, or State, or
today on motions to suspend the rules
the purpose of facilitating the employment local authority.
on which the yeas and nays are or- ‘‘(2) The term ‘veteran’ means—
of veterans who participate in the retraining
dered. assistance program under this section. ‘‘(A) a person who served in the active
The House will resume proceedings ‘‘(2) QUALIFIED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.— military, naval, or air service, and who was
on postponed questions at a later time. For purposes of this subsection, a qualified discharged or released therefrom under con-
f nonprofit organization is a nonprofit organi- ditions other than dishonorable; or
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
zation that— ‘‘(B) a member of a reserve component of
TRAINING IN HIGH-DEMAND ROLES ‘‘(A) is an association of businesses; and the Armed Forces who performs active serv-
TO IMPROVE VETERAN EMPLOY- ‘‘(B) has at least two years of experience ice for a period of 30 days or longer by reason
MENT ACT providing job placement services for vet- of the covered public health emergency.
erans. ‘‘(3) The term ‘active service’ has the
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘(h) FOLLOW UP OUTREACH.—The Secretary meaning given such term in section 101 of
move to suspend the rules and pass the of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the title 10, United States Code.’’.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20AP7.002 H20APPT1
H1966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 20, 2021
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments ‘‘ ‘(c) The Secretary may not recognize a Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–
made by subsection (a) shall apply as if in- State department or agency as the State ap- 315), is redesignated as section 1166 and
cluded in the enactment of the American proving agency for a State for purposes of transferred so as to appear after section 1165
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2). this chapter if such department or agency is (and the table of sections at the beginning of
SEC. 3. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DEPART- administered at, or colocated with, a univer- chapter 11 of such title is conformed accord-
MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS sity or university system that offers courses ingly).
ABOUT POSTSECONDARY EDU- or programs of education that are subject to (2) Subsection (l) of section 3313, as added
CATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. approval under this chapter by the State ap- by section 1010 of such Act (as effective on
(a) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE PRO- proving agency for that State.’. August 1, 2021), is amended to read as fol-
VIDED.—Subsection (c) of section 3698 of title ‘‘(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment lows:
38, United States Code, is amended— made by subsection (a) shall take effect on ‘‘(l) VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT.—
(1) in paragraph (1)(C)— the date that is one year after the date of the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall re-
(A) in clause (xi), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the enactment of this Act.’’. quire—
end; SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF ‘‘(A) each educational institution to sub-
(B) in clause (xii), by striking the period TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FOR-PROF- mit to the Secretary verification of each in-
and inserting a semicolon; and IT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. dividual who is enrolled in a course or pro-
(C) by adding at the end the following new (a) CLARIFICATION.—Section 1022(c) of the gram of education at the educational institu-
clauses: Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Vet- tion and is receiving educational assistance
‘‘(xiii) whether the institution is listed on erans Health Care and Benefits Improvement under this chapter—
the College Navigator website as affiliated Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315) is amended ‘‘(i) not later than such time as the Sec-
with a religion and, if so, which religious de- by inserting ‘‘, or the conversion of a for- retary determines reasonable after the date
nomination; profit educational institution to a public on which the individual is enrolled; and
‘‘(xiv) whether the Secretary of Education educational institution,’’ after ‘‘nonprofit ‘‘(ii) not later than such time as the Sec-
or other head of a department or agency of educational institution’’. retary determines reasonable after the last
the Federal Government has determined that (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment date on which a student is able to withdraw
the institution is a minority serving institu- made by subsection (a) shall apply as if in- from the course or program of education
tion and, if so, which one or more types of cluded in the enactment of the Johnny Isak- without penalty; and
minority serving institutions; and son and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health ‘‘(B) each individual who is enrolled in a
‘‘(xv) whether the institution is gender spe- Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 course or program of education and is receiv-
cific.’’; and (Public Law 116–315). ing educational assistance under this chap-
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end SEC. 6. CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING REQUIRE- ter to submit to the Secretary verification of
the following new sentence: ‘‘To the extent MENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITU- such enrollment for each month during
practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that TIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE EDU- which the individual is so enrolled and re-
CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ceiving such educational assistance.
such information is provided in a searchable
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS ‘‘(2) FORM OF VERIFICATION.—Verification
format.’’. AFFAIRS.
(b) DEFINITION.—Subsection (f) of such sec- under this subsection shall be in an elec-
Subsection (f) of section 3679 of title 38, tronic form prescribed by the Secretary.
tion is amended by adding at the end the fol-
United States Code, as added by section 1018 ‘‘(3) FAILURE TO SUBMIT VERIFICATION.—If
lowing new paragraphs:
of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, an individual fails to submit the verification
‘‘(3) The term ‘College Navigator website’
M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Im- required under paragraph (1)(B) for two con-
has the meaning given that term in section
provement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315), secutive months, the Secretary may not
132 of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.
is amended— make a monthly housing stipend payment to
1015a).
(1) in paragraph (1)(E), by inserting ‘‘, to the individual under this section until the
‘‘(4) The term ‘minority serving institu-
the maximum extent practicable,’’ after ‘‘in- individual submits such verification.’’.
tion’ means any of the following:
cluding’’; (3) Section 3673A, as added by section 1013
‘‘(A) A part B institution, as such term is
(2) in paragraph (2)— of such Act, is amended—
defined in section 322(2) of the Higher Edu-
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘search-
cation Act (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)).
(A), by inserting ‘‘, or any person with whom able’’; and
‘‘(B) A Hispanic-serving institution, as
the institution has an agreement to provide (B) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘search-
such term is defined in section 502(a)(5) of
educational programs, marketing, adver- able’’ before ‘‘database’’.
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(5)).
tising, recruiting or admissions services,’’ (4) The subsection (f) of section 3679, as
‘‘(C) A Tribal College or University, as
after ‘‘educational institution’’; added by section 1017 of such Act, is redesig-
such term is defined in section 316(b)(3) of
(B) in paragraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘1- nated as paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)).
month’’ and inserting ‘‘one-month’’; and such section 3679 and is transferred so as to
‘‘(D) A predominantly Black institution, as
(C) by striking subparagraph (B) and in- appear after paragraph (2) of such sub-
such term is defined in section 318(b)(6) of
serting the following new subparagraph (B): section.
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6)).
‘‘(B) Provides a commission, bonus, or (5) Section 3696(g)(4)(A)(iii)(III), as amend-
‘‘(E) A Native American-serving, nontribal
other incentive payment based directly or ed by section 1020 of such Act, is amended by
institution, as such term is defined in sec-
indirectly on success in securing enrollments striking ‘‘paragraph (3)(B) of this sub-
tion 319(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
or financial aid to any persons or entities en- section’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (3)’’.
1059f(b)(6)).
gaged in any student recruiting or admission (b) JOHNNY ISAKSON AND DAVID P. ROE,
‘‘(F) An Alaska Native-serving institution
activities or in making decisions regarding M.D. VETERANS HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS
or Native Hawaiian-serving institution, as
the award of student financial assistance.’’; IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2020.—The Johnny
such terms are defined in section 317(b) of
(3) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking clause Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)).
(ii) and inserting the following new clauses: Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act
‘‘(G) An Asian American and Native Amer-
‘‘(ii) Suspending the approval of the of 2020 (Public Law 116–315) is amended as
ican Pacific Islander-serving institution, as
courses and programs of education offered by follows:
such term is defined in section 320(b) of such
the educational institution by disapproving (1) In section 1013(a)(1), by inserting ‘‘of
Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b)).’’.
new enrollments of eligible veterans and eli- title 38’’ after ‘‘of chapter 36’’.
(c) APPLICATION.—The amendments made
gible persons in each course or program of (2) In section 2205(c)—
by this section shall apply with respect to
education offered by that educational insti- (A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘EFFECTIVE
the information provided under section 3698
tution. DATE’’ and inserting ‘‘APPLICABILITY’’; and
of title 38, United States Code, beginning on
‘‘(iii) Revoking the approval of the courses (B) by striking ‘‘the date that is two years
the date that is two years after the date of
and programs of education offered by the after the date of the enactment of this Act’’
the enactment of this Act.
educational institution by disapproving all and inserting ‘‘the date of the enactment of
SEC. 4. DELAY OF EFFECTIVE DATE FOR LIMITA-
TION ON COLOCATION AND ADMIN-
enrollments of eligible veterans and eligible this Act and shall apply with respect to
ISTRATION OF STATE APPROVING persons in each course or program of edu- grants applications submitted on or after the
AGENCIES. cation offered by that educational institu- date that is two years after the date of the
Section 1024 of the Johnny Isakson and tion’’; and enactment of this Act.’’
David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and (4) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ‘‘1-aca- (3) In section 4101(b), by striking ‘‘sub-
Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public demic-year period’’ and inserting ‘‘one-aca- chapter’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter’’.
demic-year period’’.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
Law 116–315) is amended to read as follows: (4) In section 5501—
‘‘SEC. 1024. LIMITATION ON COLOCATION AND AD- SEC. 7. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘of
MINISTRATION OF STATE APPROV- (a) TITLE 38.—Title 38, United States Code, such title’’ and inserting ‘‘of title 38, United
ING AGENCIES. is amended as follows: States Code’’; and
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3671 of title 38, (1) The second section 1164, as added by (B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘section
United States Code, is amended by adding at section 5501 the Johnny Isakson and David P. 1164’’ each place it appears and inserting
the end the following new subsection: Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits ‘‘section 1166’’.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20AP7.004 H20APPT1
April 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1967
SEC. 8. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- This legislation is endorsed by many TORRES of California. Her bill would
FECTS.
VSOs, including the Student Veterans add information to the GI Bill com-
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the
purpose of complying with the Statutory of America, the National Association parison tool to let the veterans know if
Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- of State Approving Agencies, Paralyzed schools have a religious affiliation or
mined by reference to the latest statement Veterans of America, and Disabled have historically served a particular
titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- American Veterans. minority population. This will help
tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in I wish to thank Speaker PELOSI and veterans be better informed when they
the Congressional Record by the Chairman of Leader HOYER for bringing H.R. 2523, as decide to use their GI Bill benefits.
the House Budget Committee, provided that amended, to the floor so quickly. I urge I thank Representative TORRES for
such statement has been submitted prior to the rest of my colleagues to support her work, and I am glad that we were
the vote on passage. this legislation to ensure VA can de- able to include her legislation in this
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- liver assistance to our veterans as bill.
ant to the rule, the gentleman from quickly as possible. I am grateful to Chairman TAKANO
California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- and Congressman LEVIN for working
tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each ance of my time. with me on the THRIVE Act. I am con-
will control 20 minutes. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield fident that it will help veterans get
The Chair recognizes the gentleman myself such time as I may consume. back on their feet.
from California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
GENERAL LEAVE port of H.R. 2523, as amended, the leagues to support it, and I reserve the
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask Training in High-Demand Roles to Im- balance of my time.
unanimous consent that all Members prove Veteran Employment Act, or Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
may have 5 legislative days in which to THRIVE Act. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
revise and extend their remarks and in- This legislation would make needed California (Mr. LEVIN), the chairman of
clude extraneous material on H.R. 2523, improvements to the American Rescue the Subcommittee on Economic Oppor-
as amended. Plan Act of 2021. It would also make tunity, the author of the bill, and also
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there several technical corrections to the my good friend and fellow Californian.
objection to the request of the gen- Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam
tleman from California? Veterans Health Care and Improve- Speaker, I thank our great chairman,
There was no objection. ment Act of 2020. Chairman TAKANO, and our ranking
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I COVID–19 has had a profound impact member for their great work. It is an
yield myself such time as I may con- on our economy. It has closed small honor to continue serving our veterans
sume. businesses across the country and left in a bipartisan manner and to chair the
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of millions of Americans unemployed. relevant subcommittee.
H.R. 2523, as amended, the Training in That includes an estimated half a mil- As the Representative for Marine
High-Demand Roles to Improve Vet- lion veterans. Before the pandemic, the Corps Base Camp Pendleton and thou-
eran Employment Act, or THRIVE Act. veterans unemployment rate was at a sands of military families in the re-
H.R. 2523, as amended, builds off the near record low. Today, it is almost gion, I am incredibly proud of the work
work of the American Rescue Plan to double that. we have accomplished in the past few
deliver employment training quicker We must help our veterans get back years for our Nation’s veterans.
and more effectively to veterans who to work. I introduced the Veterans Back in January of this year, the
have lost their jobs due to COVID–19. Economic Recovery Act earlier this Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D.
The American Rescue Plan was one year to do just that. That bill created Veterans Health Care and Benefits Im-
of the most important pieces of legisla- the Veterans Rapid Retraining Assist- provement Act was signed into law. It
tion many of us will ever have the ance Program, or V-RAP. V-RAP al- was a historic omnibus bill for veterans
chance to vote on, making genera- lows veterans who are unemployed be- that strengthened many benefits and
tional investments into veteran cause of COVID–19 to receive rapid re- services for those who have served our
healthcare, homelessness, and job training to compete for high-demand country. It was a great bipartisan ac-
training programs. jobs. complishment. Again, I am grateful to
Following the passage of that legisla- The bulk of the Veterans Economic all of my colleagues for getting it
tion into law, the Department of Vet- Recovery Act was enacted as part of across the finish line.
erans Affairs highlighted some im- the American Rescue Plan. Unfortu- It included provisions to improve
provements to the law to deliver job nately, because Speaker PELOSI used services for homeless veterans, to pro-
training benefits quicker and more eq- the reconciliation process to pass the tect GI Bill benefits, improve the Tran-
uitably to all Americans, regardless of ARP, there were several provisions of sition Assistance Program for service-
where they live. V-RAP that were not included. That is members returning to civilian life, and
The legislation before us will get why I was pleased to work with Chair- so much more. It was the product,
those benefits out quicker to veterans man LEVIN on the bill before us today. again, of bipartisan, bicameral work,
and will improve the recordkeeping of It would finish the job and ensure that proof that we can do things on a bipar-
the Department of Veterans Affairs V-RAP is set up for success. tisan basis here in Washington, D.C.,
and the Department of Labor to ensure Specifically, the THRIVE Act would and I was proud to help lead that bill.
veterans are aware of options available allow the VA to add jobs to the in-de- Most recently, we passed the Amer-
to them to find quality employment. mand occupations list so the training ican Rescue Plan, a landmark piece of
The THRIVE Act will also see the VA leads to meaningful employment; re- legislation to help Americans get
partner with local business groups to quire the VA to work with the Depart- through this pandemic, including our
facilitate job placement. ment of Labor and nonprofit organiza- veterans who have struggled to get
Madam Speaker, in addition, the De- tions to ensure that V-RAP partici- back on their feet during this difficult
partment shared with our committee pants are provided employment serv- time.
ways to improve the Johnny Isakson ices once their training is over; require A key piece of that bill was nearly
and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans the GAO to report on the overall effec- $400 million for a rapid retraining pro-
Health Care and Benefits Improvement tiveness of V-RAP; and make changes gram for veterans who are unemployed
Act of 2020, to improve the experience to how the VA pays schools for train- as a result of this pandemic and don’t
for student veterans who are still being ing that participants receive so that it have access to other veteran education
impacted by classroom experiences due can be used by the veterans very quick- benefits.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
to COVID–19. ly. Both of these bills were huge accom-
This is why this legislation, offered While I am glad the changes are plishments; but, like all legislation,
by Economic Opportunity Sub- being made, it is unfortunate they were they weren’t perfect, and there are still
committee Chairman MIKE LEVIN and not initially addressed in the ARP. steps that we must take to make these
Ranking Member MIKE BOST, is so The THRIVE Act also includes the programs work even better for the vet-
timely and important. text of the bill by Representative erans they are intended to serve.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20AP7.004 H20APPT1
H1968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 20, 2021
That is why I was proud to introduce Congress provided for unemployed vet- divided and controlled by the chair and rank-
legislation with Ranking Member MIKE erans work as intended to help vet- ing minority member of the Committee on
BOST of the House Veterans’ Affairs erans in need to find good, well-paying Oversight and Reform or their respective
designees; and (2) one motion to recommit.
Committee, amending the American jobs. Let’s enable our veterans to tran- SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it
Rescue Plan and the Isakson-Roe legis- sition back into civilian life. Those shall be in order to consider in the House the
lation to improve job training and edu- who have given so much to this Nation bill (H.R. 1573) to clarify the rights of all per-
cation programs for our veterans. deserve nothing less. sons who are held or detained at a port of
For example, our bill makes changes I urge my colleagues to support this entry or at any detention facility overseen
to the Rapid Retraining Assistance bill. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or
Program so we are focusing on high-de- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
mand occupations. b 1430 All points of order against consideration of
the bill are waived. The amendment in the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I want to
nature of a substitute recommended by the
time of the gentleman has expired. thank all the Members who were in- Committee on the Judiciary now printed in
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I volved in moving forward with this leg- the bill shall be considered as adopted. The
yield an additional 11⁄2 minutes to the islation, especially Chairman TAKANO, bill, as amended, shall be considered as read.
gentleman from California. and I encourage all of my colleagues to All points of order against provisions in the
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam support this bill. bill, as amended, are waived. The previous
Speaker, it will also improve the VA’s I yield back the balance of my time. question shall be considered as ordered on
communication with veterans about Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ap- the bill, as amended, and on any further
employment placement services. It will amendment thereto, to final passage without
preciate the bipartisan way in which
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of
clarify veterans’ eligibility for housing we moved forward on this bill. I want debate equally divided and controlled by the
stipends under the retraining program. to thank all my colleagues, and I urge chair and ranking minority member of the
And it will ensure the VA works with all of them to join me in passing H.R. Committee on the Judiciary or their respec-
qualified nonprofit business associa- 2523, as amended. tive designees; and (2) one motion to recom-
tions to facilitate the employment of I yield back the balance of my time. mit.
participating veterans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The SEC. 3. Upon adoption of this resolution it
Nothing in this bill is controversial. question is on the motion offered by shall be in order to consider in the House the
bill (H.R. 1333) to transfer and limit Execu-
It is all about improving existing vet- the gentleman from California (Mr. tive Branch authority to suspend or restrict
erans’ programs so they can get back TAKANO) that the House suspend the the entry of a class of aliens. All points of
to work and make the most of the serv- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2523, as order against consideration of the bill are
ices they have earned and deserve. amended. waived. The amendment in the nature of a
Madam Speaker, I hope we can pass The question was taken. substitute recommended by the Committee
this bill without delay, and I urge all of The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the on the Judiciary now printed in the bill shall
my colleagues to support it. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being be considered as adopted. The bill, as amend-
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I reserve in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ed, shall be considered as read. All points of
the balance of my time. order against provisions in the bill, as
Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, on that amended, are waived. The previous question
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I I demand the yeas and nays. shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as
have no further speakers at this time, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- amended, and on any further amendment
I am prepared to close, and I reserve ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution thereto, to final passage without intervening
the balance of my time. 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- divided and controlled by the chair and rank-
minutes to the gentleman from North ther proceedings on this motion are ing minority member of the Committee on
Carolina (Mr. CAWTHORN). postponed. the Judiciary or their respective designees;
Mr. CAWTHORN. Madam Speaker, and (2) one motion to recommit.
f SEC. 4. House Resolution 316 is hereby
America’s veterans are facing an unem- adopted.
ployment crisis that threatens their PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION SEC. 5. House Resolution 188, agreed to
livelihoods. While this current govern- OF H.R. 51, WASHINGTON, D.C. March 8, 2021, is amended—
ment focuses on giving jobs to illegal ADMISSION ACT; PROVIDING FOR (1) in section 11, by striking ‘‘April 22,
immigrants, approximately half a mil- CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1573, AC- 2021’’ and inserting ‘‘May 20, 2021’’;
lion veterans are out of work as of CESS TO COUNSEL ACT OF 2021; (2) in section 16, by striking ‘‘calendar day
March 2021. of April 22, 2021’’ and inserting ‘‘legislative
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION
Americans often talk about their day of May 20, 2021’’; and
OF H.R. 1333, NATIONAL ORIGIN- (3) in section 17, by striking ‘‘April 22,
love of our troops. As politicians, we BASED ANTIDISCRIMINATION 2021’’ and inserting ‘‘May 20, 2021’’.
often take victory laps through our FOR NONIMMIGRANTS ACT; AND SEC. 6. (a) At any time through the legisla-
districts meeting veterans and pledging FOR OTHER PURPOSES tive day of Thursday, April 22, 2021, the
to work for them. Now it is time for us Speaker may entertain motions offered by
Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, by di- the Majority Leader or a designee that the
to act on that pledge. The THRIVE Act
rection of the Committee on Rules, I House suspend the rules as though under
represents a commonsense step to em-
call up House Resolution 330 and ask clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple
power both veterans and educational
for its immediate consideration. measures described in subsection (b), and the
institutions who provide much-needed
The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Chair shall put the question on any such mo-
workforce training. tion without debate or intervening motion.
lows:
I come from a family of veterans. For (b) A measure referred to in subsection (a)
six generations, the men of my family H. RES. 330
includes any measure that was the object of
have served their country proudly in Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- a motion to suspend the rules on the legisla-
the Armed Forces. I represent the first lution it shall be in order to consider in the tive day of April 19, 2021, or April 20, 2021, on
House the bill (H.R. 51) to provide for the ad- which the yeas and nays were ordered and
generation to enter a different type of mission of the State of Washington, D.C.
service. While I cannot say I have expe- further proceedings postponed pursuant to
into the Union. All points of order against clause 8 of rule XX.
rienced the trauma and sacrifice that consideration of the bill are waived. The (c) Upon the offering of a motion pursuant
our men and women have experienced amendment in the nature of a substitute rec- to subsection (a) concerning multiple meas-
on the battlefield, I have witnessed the ommended by the Committee on Oversight ures, the ordering of the yeas and nays on
brutally difficult task of transitioning and Reform now printed in the bill shall be postponed motions to suspend the rules with
back to the home front. If we, as elect- considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, respect to such measures is vacated to the
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
ed Representatives, can ease that proc- shall be considered as read. All points of end that all such motions are considered as
order against provisions in the bill, as withdrawn.
ess and reduce veteran unemployment amended, are waived. The previous question SEC. 7. (a) House Concurrent Resolution 30
in one fell swoop, then I firmly believe shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as is hereby adopted.
that we are obligated to do so. amended, and on any further amendment (b) For purposes of the joint session to re-
The THRIVE Act would ensure that thereto, to final passage without intervening ceive the President of the United States on
the additional authorities and funding motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally April 28, 2021, former Members, Delegates,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K20AP7.022 H20APPT1
File and source
- File
- CREC_crec-2021-04-20_crec-2021-04-20-pt1-pgh1965-5.pdf
- Size
- 277,702 bytes
- SHA-256
- 7b9882db01d1554804d467cf2e398d161e158713eed6fe386e0e9efe7c2df3a3
- Original
- www.govinfo.gov