Chairman Bost Secures Key TAP Program Reforms in FY26 NDAA

Chairman Bost Secures Key TAP Program Reforms in FY26 NDAA

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (NDAA) 2026, which included key Transition Assistance Program (TAP) reforms Chairman Bost secured to add accountability in the program and improve pathways for servicemembers and their spouses to take TAP.

Under current law, TAP program must begin no later than 365 days prior to separation for those who are transitioning out of the military. While TAP has evolved over the years, the most recent Congressionally mandated report as well as committee oversight hearings have revealed that only 50% of transitioning servicemembers make it to TAP on time at the 365-day mark. This number is concerning, as the Committee continues to look at ways to improve TAP - both through legislation and oversight - to ensure that veterans are equipped with all the resources and knowledge of the VA benefits they are eligible for to prepare them for their next mission after they leave the military.

"As Chairman, I have met with servicemembers, and their families stationed at home and around the world and heard firsthand their struggles when it comes to navigating the transition from active-duty to civilian life. We have worked hard to move the needle on TAP to get servicemembers - regardless of rank - the best program that meets their individual needs, but there is always more work to be done," said Chairman Bost. "My amendment in this year's NDAA builds on our efforts and will bring needed improvements to TAP by requiring pre-transition counseling, allowing servicemembers to attend TAP more than once and with their spouse, modernizing the financial planning section, improving coordination between all federal agencies that participate in TAP and more. These changes will make a real difference in our servicemembers overall experience with TAP and I am grateful to my friend, Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, for working with me to secure these vitally important provisions in this year's NDAA on behalf of servicemembers and their families."

Chairman Bost fought for the following provisions which were included in the House-passed version of the FY26 NDAA:

Requirement of Separation Counseling - Requires servicemembers to attend at least three days of separation counseling unless they have accepted a job offer or are enrolled in an educational or vocational training program.

Waiver for Certain Members of the Reserve Components - Provides a waiver for certain members of the Reserve, allowing them to attend TAP every three years, unless there is relevant new information.

Pilot Program for Military Spouses - Allows servicemembers to attend TAP multiple times and are encouraged to bring their spouses along, so they can prepare for their next phase in life together.

Minimum Amount of Counseling Regarding Financial Planning - Enhances the financial planning section of TAP to cover topics such as debt management, taxes, and investing.

Coordination Between Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor - Improves the warm handover process by fostering a personal connection between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Labor (DOL).

Yearly Surprise Audits - Includes plans for regular audits of the TAP program, updates to the TAP curriculum, and improvements to the website where veterans and their families can find TAP resources.

Solid Start Program: Interaction with TAP - Implements a review of the TAP program when servicemembers are contacted as part of the Solid Start Program, as well as additional reporting requirements to ensure veterans receive the best support for their next mission.