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Remarks of the Honorable Lane Evans

The G.I. Bill of Rights at the end of World War II recognized the importance of having a decent job for veterans returning from service to their Nation. That goal was later codified in Title 38, United States Code, which says in the current version of Chapter 41: "As long as unemployment and underemployment continue as serious problems among disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, alleviating unemployment and underemployment among such veterans is a national responsibility."

The Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) has long been our arm against unemployment and underemployment among veterans. Former Assistant Secretary Preston Taylor and current Assistant Secretary Al Borrego have significantly advanced VETS’ position within the Department of Labor (DOL), and have introduced innovations and stakeholder input as regular features of the agency’s operations.

Today we are concerned with results – what "bang for the buck" is America getting from VETS? Two years ago, I said before a hearing on VETS and the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) that the GPRA requires consultation with Congress. "Meaningful consultation on veteran employment and training issues is critically important," I said.

I am concerned with the level of consultation the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has had with VETS. I believe that preparing for hearings is not sufficient. GPRA envisions a real working relationship. I am concerned about the extent to which VETS has been a closed shop, solving its own problems and telling Congress it has done so, without asking us to be a resource.

I share the concern of other Members here today that much may be inadequate and off-the-mark in VETS’ strategic and performance planning. It is disturbing to read an analysis that says VETS is either in disarray with neither a sense of direction nor much idea how to deal with future challenges, or simply incapable of conveying to Congress its vision and the steps we must help them take into the future.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank our witnesses for coming this morning. As always, I look forward to hearing from both Al Borrego and the veterans service organizations. It is good to see Ron Drach here, to comment on the recommendations of the Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance. I respect, as always, the work of the General Accounting Office, and I welcome Carlotta Joyner back before a Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. I appreciate your testimony, and I look forward to your presentations.