The U.S. House of Representatives considers H.R.2878, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act on May 17, 2021.

The bipartisan bill connects Native veterans to more services and vocational training by extending the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program to tribal colleges and universities.

H.R.2878 also provides high-tech field training for veterans to ensure they are placed in well-paying, long-term jobs.

“Indigenous peoples have a decorated history of service, yet Native veterans have less access to benefits than other groups of veterans,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), the sponsor of the legislation. “That must change.”

Native Americans serve our country at higher rates than any other group.

However, they face a gap in access to their benefits, such as the VetSuccess on Campus program.@RepRubenGallego's bill would close this gap by expanding this program to tribal colleges and universities. pic.twitter.com/8APIVfahNQ

— House Veterans' Affairs Democrats (@VetAffairsDems) May 18, 2021

Following debate, the House passed the bill under Roll Call 148 on May 18.

Note: Thumbnail Photo by Kevin Abourezk