Lawmakers sounded the alarm about the Department of Veterans Affairs spending tens of thousands of dollars on seemingly unusual items such as custom-raised flower beds, but VA officials told Congress on Thursday that it helps veterans achieve independence.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment program, under the VA, provides former military members with resources and guidance to secure employment or even establish their own small businesses.
“It’s a fantastic benefit, but that doesn’t mean that we can give or are going to give you guys a blank check,” House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chair Derrick Van Orden said during Thursday’s hearing.
The Wisconsin Republican cited multiple examples, including buying the flower beds for $31,000 so that one veteran could “learn how to live independently.”
“The federal government is having to pay over-market prices on many items that are meant to help veterans find and maintain gainful employment. This is not fiscally responsible. It shows that more guardrails and justifications are needed to approve these purchases,” Mr. Van Orden said.
The hearing was prompted by cherry-picking some of the highest cost items from various VA regional offices, said the subcommittee’s top Democrat, Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire.
Even upon finding alarming purchases, Mr. Pappas said it shows that the Veteran Readiness and Employment program is doing what it’s supposed to do for veterans: supporting successful businesses.
“The purchases that may appear unconventional at first glance represent real veterans who, through tailored rehabilitation plans, have built successful businesses, secured long-term employment or achieved essential independence in their homes and in their communities,” said Margarita Devlin, the principal deputy undersecretary for benefits at the Veterans Benefits Administration.
In one example, fish hatchery supplies were bought for $49,000. The veteran on the receiving end is now successfully operating his business, with reported earnings of $237,000 in 2024, said Chantile Stovall, the acting executive director for the Veteran Readiness and Employment Service.
Lawmakers pressed for answers regarding a $15,000 massage chair. Ms. Stovall said it was bought for a 100% disabled veteran who suffered from vascular and mental health conditions. Upon consulting with a medical professional and occupational therapists, the purchase was approved.
“This is one of those psychosocial areas where we need to consider what is necessary for this veteran to be able to live independently in their community,” Ms. Stovall said. “And by being able to relieve the stress and anxiety, we were able to successfully rehab her, where she could start to integrate into her community.”
In 2025, more than 10,000 Veteran Readiness and Employment cases were declared successful, Ms. Devlin said. More than 55,000 veterans entered a new rehabilitation plan, and just over 83,000 continued pursuing a previously developed plan.
