Contact: Louisa Tavlas
Email: ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
Bipartisan bill would connect veterans to critical energy and manufacturing careers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Niskanen Center today praised the introduction of the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), that would help address America’s growing energy workforce needs by equipping veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses with the training and support to enter high-demand energy and advanced manufacturing jobs..
“As a veteran who transitioned into energy policy through TAP and SkillBridge, I know how effective these programs can be when tied to real opportunity,” said Conrad LaJoie, former government affairs manager at the Niskanen Center. “The VET Act strengthens these tools and channels veterans into mission-critical roles supporting U.S. energy security.”
Key provisions in the VET Act include:
Aligning DoD SkillBridge and DoL Transition Assistance Program (TAP) with careers in:
- Energy generation, transmission, and distribution
- Advanced manufacturing and energy-critical supply chains
- Up to $10,000 per participant for training, certification, relocation, and onboarding
- Dedicated support for vulnerable veteran populations
- $60 million in annual funding (FY26–FY31)
The Niskanen Center urges Congress to advance this timely legislation. As the U.S. works to modernize its grid, reshore manufacturing, and secure energy independence, the VET Act provides a practical, bipartisan solution to strengthen both our workforce and national security.
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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