TAP Promotion Act

Full Title:
TAP Promotion Act

Summary#

This bill adds a new required presentation to preseparation counseling in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The presentation must promote benefits available to veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The presentation must be standardized; reviewed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with veterans service organizations (VSOs) that provide claims assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Delivery at Discharge program; and submitted to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees for review at least 90 days before it is used. Where available, the presentation should include participation by a VSO representative recognized under 38 U.S.C. 5902 or an individual recognized under 38 U.S.C. 5903 and authorized by the relevant military Secretary. The presentation must include information on how a VSO can help a member file a claims-related application, must not encourage joining any particular VSO, and may not run longer than one hour. The bill also requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report to the House and Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees listing each VSO that participated, the number of service members who attended, and any recommendations for changes.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a service member preparing to leave the military, you would receive a standardized, up-to-one-hour presentation during TAP preseparation counseling about benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Where available, a representative from a recognized veterans service organization may take part in the presentation to explain how the organization can assist with filing claims.
  • The presentation cannot promote a specific veterans service organization.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs will provide an annual report to congressional committees listing participating VSOs, attendance numbers, and any suggested changes.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information beyond the bill text stating the purpose: to include a presentation that promotes benefits available to veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.