HR 913119th CongressIn Committee

Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act of 2025

Introduced: Feb 4, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23] (R-California)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act of 2025 (SAFE Veterans Act of 2025) would amend title 38 of the U.S. Code to let the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approve rehabilitation programs for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities that include non-degree flight training. In practical terms, this means VA could authorize pilots or aviation-related training that does not count toward a college degree as part of a veteran’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. The change creates an explicit exception to existing limitations, allowing non-degree flight courses to be part of approved rehab plans for programs approved after August 1, 2025. The aim is to broaden access to aviation training for veterans whose disabilities may make traditional degree-focused pathways less suitable.

Key Points

1The bill adds a new provision to allow non-degree flight training to be included in a veteran’s VR&E rehabilitation program, even if the training isn’t tied to earning credit toward a standard college degree.
2It amends the existing language to create a clear exception (paragraph (2)) and clarifies how the maximum extent practicable standard applies in light of this new option.
3The authority to approve such non-degree flight training programs would apply to rehabilitation programs approved on or after August 1, 2025.
4The change is described as an amendment to 38 U.S.C. § 3104(b) and uses the short title “Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act of 2025” or “SAFE Veterans Act of 2025.”
5The bill explicitly states that the new authority is not limited by certain existing provisions (Notwithstanding section 3680A(b)).

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Veterans with service-connected disabilities who wish to pursue aviation training that is not tied to a degree program, and who participate in VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.Secondary group/area affected: VA VR&E program administrators and staff who would implement and oversee eligibility, approvals, and monitoring of non-degree flight training; non-degree flight schools and aviation training providers seeking to partner with VA programs.Additional impacts: Potential effects on veteran employment outcomes in aviation sectors, cost and oversight implications for VA, and considerations for program quality, accreditation, and safety standards in non-degree flight training programs.

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