Veterans Border Patrol Training Act

# Veterans Border Patrol Training Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would create a five-year pilot program that helps transitioning military members become U.S. Border Patrol agents. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs to use an existing military training program (called SkillBridge) to prepare departing service members for border patrol jobs and help them get hired for these positions. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets veterans and active-duty military members who are leaving the military and looking for civilian jobs. It would also affect U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, which would gain access to trained personnel, and the three government agencies involved in running the program. **Key provisions:** The program would run for five years as a pilot (a test project), use the existing DOD SkillBridge training system rather than creating something entirely new, and coordinate between three federal departments. The bill includes requirements for congressional oversight and reporting on the program's results. **Current status:** The bill (S. 625) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.