Vivek Thankavel

Persistent barriers in veteran employment—ranging from skill-translation gaps and programmatic cuts to demographic disparities—continue to undermine the stability and well-being of those transitioning from military to civilian life, despite deceptively low headline unemployment rates. By situating the VET Act of 2025 within the landscape of earlier energy-sector initiatives, the analysis highlights both its strengthened grant structure and the remaining shortcomings that must be addressed to ensure equitable access, accountability, and long-term workforce integration. Grounded in evidence on the financial, mental health, and mission-driven benefits of energy-sector employment for veterans, the brief underscores the urgency of comprehensive, well-funded policy action to support those whose service has come at great personal cost.

Social media use among children and teens has surged, contributing to declining mental health, unrealistic body expectations, academic struggles, and growing exposure to harmful content. The Kids Online Safety Act aims to address these harms by requiring platforms to limit addictive features, restrict harmful algorithmic recommendations, curb promotion of self-harm and exploitation, and provide reporting mechanisms and audits to protect minors. Despite bipartisan momentum, the bill faces major objections centered on First Amendment risks, vague definitions like “duty of care,” and the potential over-censorship of resources important to marginalized youth. The article argues that while protecting children online is essential, the bill must be more precise and balanced to prevent government overreach and safeguard access to critical information.