Digital G.I. Bill Undelivered: Contracting Challenges and the Need for Acquisition Reform
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs convened a joint subcommittee oversight hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Digital G.I. Bill (DGIB) modernization effort. The DGIB initiative is intended to replace legacy claims-processing systems with an integrated, automated platform capable of improving timeliness, accuracy, and data transparency in the administration of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Despite these objectives, the program has experienced significant cost growth, schedule delays, and implementation challenges. The system has not yet achieved full operational capability, and deficiencies in contracting oversight, requirements management, and program governance have contributed to payment disruptions and processing errors affecting veterans and educational institutions. During the hearing, I pressed VA officials on corrective actions, internal controls, and accountability measures to stabilize system performance and prevent further harm to beneficiaries who rely on these earned education benefits.