McClellan, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Servicemembers’ Transition to Civilian Life

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS-01) introduced the bipartisan Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act to support Guard and Reserve servicemembers’ transition back to civilian life. 

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)  provides servicemembers with critical programs and resources as they complete their service and return to civilian life. Currently, TAP does not provide dedicated transition training for the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces. The bipartisan Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act would create a new TAP pathway for Reserves and National Guard members to provide specialized information assistance to meet their needs. 

“Our military personnel make incredible sacrifices in service to our nation and deserve our full support during their transition back to civilian life,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “TAP provides critical resources to servicemembers during this period, including financial literacy programs, mental health awareness training, higher education and employment support, yet TAP does not provide tailored information for Guard and Reserve servicemembers. The Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act would create a Guard and Reserve-specific pathway that helps address the unique challenges the Reserve Components of our Armed Forces face, including differences in employment training needs and VA benefits and resources eligibility. I look forward to working with Congressman Kelly and our colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to build a broad, bipartisan coalition of support to move this bill forward.” 

"Through the introduction of this crucial bill, we pave a counseling pathway in the Transition Assistance Program, ensuring our Reserve Component members have the support they need to navigate their transition with confidence and clarity,” said Congressman Kelly. “It's our duty to empower those who serve to thrive beyond their military service.”

The Improving TAP for Guard & Reserve Servicemembers Act would:

• Create a dedicated pathway within TAP to provide specialized information assistance to meet the unique needs of our Guard and Reserve servicemembers and clarify which VA health and retirement benefits are available to Guard and Reserve members versus their full-time active-duty counterparts.
   
• Ensure U.S. National Guard and Reserve servicemembers get the most out of the TAP program.
   
• Raise awareness and educate servicemembers on the rights and benefits entitled to them.

The Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act has been endorsed by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

“The Soldiers and Airmen transitioning out of the National Guard have very distinct and unique challenges that the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) could not be more grateful to Congresswoman McClellan and Congressman Kelly for addressing.  With the duality of being a Citizen Soldier, these issues are easy to dismiss as concerns outside of the Military scope of support, yet, with this bill, the Transition Assistance Program will embrace gratitude for the service of our Guard members and connect them with resources, education, and opportunities to demonstrate the full potential that they can contribute when they take the uniform off.  This bill instantly helps us promote the wellbeing of our Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.  EANGUS is proud to be a supporter of the Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemember Act, this bill will improve lives all across the country,” said Jeff Frisby, Executive Director of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS).

“No one who serves our nation in uniform deserves to be overlooked as they transition. We need to be intentional about supporting the unique needs of many of our nation’s veterans, to include those who’ve served in the National Guard and Reserve components, and IAVA applauds Congresswoman McClellan’s leadership to do just that. Now we just need Congress to move swiftly to ensure that progress is made to improve the transition process for all those who’ve served,” said Allison Jaslow, Chief Executive Officer of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

"Returning home from deployment is a trying time for all servicemembers. National Guardsmen who transition from active full-time orders back to regular drilling status encounter distinct challenges as they navigate the shift between military and civilian life. Reserve Component members make up 52 percent of the nation's fighting force and they deserve a transition assistance program that fits their needs. We must ensure our members receive the resources and assistance necessary for successful reintegration. NGAUS supports this legislation and greatly appreciates the efforts of Congressman Kelly and Congresswoman McClellan in pushing this forward," said retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, President of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).

"Members of the National Guard and Reserves have differing needs during their transition from the military including understanding their VA benefits eligibility, the consequences of disruptions in educational programs, and pertinent employment training needs. The VFW supports the Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act to create a specific pathway within the Transition Assistance Program for the Reserve components. This group of servicemembers deserve a smooth transition to civilian life with the resources that will be meaningful to them. We thank Rep. McClellan (D-VA-04) and Rep. Kelly (R-MS-01) for introducing this important legislation," said Kristina Keenan, Deputy Legislative Director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Don Davis (NC-01), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and James Moylan (GU-AL). 

Read the full bill text and one-pager.