WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on Veteran’s Day, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) announced the reintroduction of the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) Act to help raise awareness about and bring improvements to the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefit Administration (WARTAC). This is a program within the Department of Veteran’s Affairs that helps veterans re-enter the civilian workforce into meaningful roles that also support their fellow veterans.

“Our veterans sacrifice so much to serve our country, and we owe it to them when they transition to civilian life to provide services that help them lead healthy, productive, and meaningful lives,” said Congressman Carter. “This Veterans Day, I’m excited to announce the introduction of Rep. Luttrell’s and my bipartisan Warrior Training Advancement Course Act, which will improve job opportunities and services for veterans re-entering civilian life. By connecting returning service members with critical jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the WARTAC Act can be a win-win for veterans and communities across the country.”

“The WARTAC Act ensures Congress has oversight of the Warrior Training Advancement Course’s effectiveness for our veterans as they begin their transition to civilian life,” said Congressman Luttrell. “I applaud Congressman Troy Carter for his efforts on behalf of the veteran community, and I am proud to join him in leading this bill.”

Background

Every year, over 200,000 brave service members transition out of the Armed Forces and back into civilian life. Due to the unique nature of life in the military, this transition can be daunting and difficult for many. 

While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its partners have worked to bring the veteran unemployment rate down, there are still  a significant number of unemployed veterans nationwide. With the Veteran’s Benefit Administration (VBA) dealing with a severe backlog in cases, it’s in dire need of qualified Veteran Service Representatives and Rating Veteran Service Representatives to process these claims.

This bipartisan legislation would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to the bicameral Committees on Veterans Affairs annually on the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefit Administration, create a structural opportunity to process feedback, and analyze the program for effectiveness and opportunities to grow and improve. 

More specifically, the WARTAC Act would:

• Include recommendations for best practices and data sets on the number of eligible participants, enrolled participants, participants who successfully complete the program, information on how the Secretary provides the training, and other information deemed relevant.
• Require that the Secretary report on hiring information and the cost savings of the program including the determination of the Secretary whether other federal agencies may also save money by establishing a program like WARTAC.
• Help veterans receive their benefits more efficiently by increasing the VBA’s hiring capacity.

Read the full bill text here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), released the following statement regarding the midterm results from November, 3, 2026:

“We’ve just witnessed a historic election night. A blue wave reached across this country powered by Black voters and other voters of color, including in places some people thought were too red to change. The American people spoke, and they entrusted Democrats with majorities in both the House and the Senate by wide margins.

“Here in Louisiana, I’m deeply grateful that the people of the Second District have placed their trust in me again. As I enter my fourth term in Congress, I do so with new responsibilities and challenges. I will continue to lead with humility and honor and fully understanding that, for whom much is given, much is required. 

“Now, it’s time to get to work. We have a duty to defend the right to vote and hold this administration accountable. We must also answer the questions families are asking at their kitchen tables: Can I afford my prescriptions? Can my children afford a place to live? Will my paycheck get me through the month? Those questions will still be there when the celebrations are over. I stand ready with my Democratic and Republican colleagues next Congress to answer them.”

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Today, Congressman Carter released a statement following Haley Stevens’ endorsement of GOP Candidate Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race:  

“In my opinion, Haley Stevens’s decision has more to do with a bruised ego than a commitment to the people she was elected to serve. I could not be more disappointed.

“I understand that losing a primary hurts. I also understand that policy disagreements can be deeply held. But when we seek public office, we accept a responsibility to put the people ahead of our own disappointment. That responsibility does not end when we lose an election or feel slighted by another candidate.

“Haley has chosen to endorse Republican Mike Rogers, whose Trump-style policies she once vehemently opposed. What changed for the families of Michigan? What changed about their need for affordable health care, good jobs, lower costs, and protection of their rights? Those needs remain, regardless of how she feels about the Democratic nominee.

“Antisemitism is serious, and we have an obligation to confront it. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has said clearly that he disagrees with the contents of the outside group’s advertisement. 

“Michigan Democrats chose their nominee. Haley had every right to challenge him in the primary and to continue pressing him on policy. But endorsing his Republican opponent days before the election calls into question the convictions she asked voters to believe in throughout her campaign.

“I have worked with colleagues with whom I strongly disagree. Public service requires that. We cannot allow a personal grievance to outweigh the consequences of our decisions for millions of people.

I expected better from my colleague. The people who supported her, volunteered for her, and trusted her word deserved better, too.”