A new bipartisan bill aimed at boosting employment for veterans has gained significant momentum. The Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, which seeks to incentivise employers to hire veterans, is gathering support from a coalition of industry leaders and veterans’ advocates. The proposed legislation aims to tackle two pressing issues: a shortage of skilled workers in critical industries and the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers.
Veterans face significant barriers when leaving the military, often struggling to translate their skills into civilian job opportunities. Meanwhile, industries such as energy and manufacturing are grappling with workforce shortages. The VET Act promises a solution to both issues, offering employers grants to hire and train veterans in sectors where demand for workers is on the rise.
A Bipartisan Push for Veteran Employment
The VET Act was introduced in June 2025 by Republican Representative Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia and Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania. According to reports, the bill has gained 19 co-sponsors from both major parties, indicating widespread support across the political spectrum. The proposal would allow eligible employers to apply for federal grants to cover the costs associated with hiring and training veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses.
The grants could provide companies with up to $10,000 for each veteran they hire, alongside additional funding of up to $500,000 annually for expenses related to training, relocation, and professional certifications. These financial incentives are designed to reduce the risks for employers who might otherwise hesitate to hire veterans, especially given the additional challenges veterans often face in securing civilian credentials.
According to veterans’ advocates, the measure will help bridge the gap for veterans who possess valuable skills but may lack civilian qualifications. The bill places particular focus on veterans who face greater barriers to employment, including those with service-related disabilities or involuntary separations. The program would also give priority to employers who demonstrate a commitment to providing long-term opportunities to these groups.
Meeting the Workforce Demand
The legislation is timed to address growing labour shortages, particularly in energy and manufacturing sectors. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, there is a notable shortfall in skilled workers, with only 7,000 electricians entering the profession annually, compared to 10,000 who leave. This shortage is exacerbated by rising demand for energy and the need to modernise infrastructure.
The VET Act aims to ease these pressures by connecting the skilled veteran workforce with these industries. With around 200,000 service members transitioning to civilian life each year, veterans represent an untapped resource in the fight to fill technical positions in sectors critical to national infrastructure.
Rising energy demand and the need to upgrade electrical grids have made the recruitment of qualified workers even more urgent. Organisations like the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have supported the bill, arguing that veterans’ technical and operational experience aligns well with the skills required in the energy sector. According to NEMA, the VET Act could help match veterans’ qualifications with critical roles in the production and distribution of electrical components.
A Key Moment for Veterans
Sponsoring Representatives Houlahan and Kiggans have both expressed the importance of the bill, highlighting the skills veterans bring to the workforce. Houlahan, a veteran herself, has emphasised the link between military training and the discipline needed in technical careers. “The VET Act builds a strong bridge between two national imperatives: supporting our transitioning service members and ensuring America’s energy security,” she said in a statement.
The bill’s success depends on whether Congress will act quickly, as the pressures of workforce shortages and veterans’ unemployment continue to grow. With both sides of the political spectrum now backing the VET Act, it may be poised to make a significant impact in the coming months, offering veterans not just employment but long-term career opportunities in critical industries.
