US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1786

Introduced
3/24/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Refer
4/8/23  
Refer
4/14/23  

Caption

GROW Act Get Rewarding Outdoor Work for our Veterans Act

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to create pathways for veterans to secure employment in federal positions that specifically pertain to conservation efforts, directly addressing the issue of veteran unemployment. By establishing a pilot program, the bill would ensure that veterans have the opportunity to apply their skills in meaningful work that also supports public environmental initiatives. The expectation is that this approach would not only benefit veterans by easing their transition into the workforce but also aid in the ongoing needs for conservation and resource management jobs within government agencies.

Summary

House Bill 1786, known as the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work for our Veterans Act (GROW Act), aims to support veterans in their transition to civilian employment. The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC), which provides training for veterans to prepare them for jobs in the Veterans Benefit Administration. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of the Interior to administer a pilot program to employ veterans in conservation and resource management roles, thereby linking two significant areas of veteran services and public service.

Contention

While the GROW Act presents a generally positive framework for enhancing employment opportunities for veterans, it has sparked dialogue regarding the allocation of resources and effectiveness of the proposed training programs. Concerns may arise regarding the implementation and reporting metrics that will be established to ensure that the program effectively meets its goals. Additionally, there's a potential debate on prioritizing the needs of veterans against other public service job applicants, which could lead to scrutiny over how positions are filled under this new framework.

Companion Bills

US HB2932

Related To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report on the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Previously Filed As

US SB4197

Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act

US S3199

Requires DVA establish Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force.

US A4056

Requires DVA establish Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force.

US HB3560

Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act of 2025

US SB3466

Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act of 2025

US SB4400

Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act of 2026

US HB2971

YOUNG Act of 2025 Youth Outdoors Using Nature’s Genetics Act of 2025

US HB6960

Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act

US SB3591

Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act

US HB3481

Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025

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