U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has joined as a cosponsor of the TAP Promotion Act, a bipartisan bill designed to make it easier for service members to access veterans’ benefits before leaving active duty. The legislation would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and similar groups to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes, assist with filing Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and help complete medical evaluations prior to separation from service.
“The brave men and women who serve our nation deserve a smooth passage from active duty to civilian life,” said Senator Curtis. “By allowing accredited Veterans Service Organizations to assist with benefit claims, this bill helps prevent gaps in care and ensures veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary delays.”
The bill was introduced by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), with additional support from several other senators across party lines.
Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable people involved early in the process: “The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military. But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”
Senator King highlighted how many individuals transition each year: “Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring. The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.”
Joy Craig, Associate Director for National Legislative Service at VFW, also expressed support: “No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned. The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation.”
Currently under federal law, instructors leading mandatory TAP courses cannot directly help participants fill out paperwork needed for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. As a result, many soon-to-be veterans only receive information about available resources but lack direct assistance completing necessary forms—a situation that can lead to delayed disability payments or postponed medical appointments during an already challenging period.
The full text of the bill is available online.
