Why It Matters

The University of Health & Performance LLC has pivoted from seeking program approval to targeting major legislative vehicles—the FY 2026 Appropriations and National Defense Authorization Act—to secure dedicated funding streams. At the moment the Veteran Administration’s education benefits payment failures and healthcare workforce shortages are creating urgent congressional pressure for reliable training partners.

Recent hearings highlight systemic VA payment failures demanding institutional solutions, while bills like the THRIVE Act and MEDIC Careers Act create pathways for health and wellness training programs.

By the Numbers

University of Health & Performance LLC has spent $260,000 on federal lobbying since August 2023, marking it as an emerging player in veteran education advocacy. The organization’s current engagement with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP totals $180,000 since February 2025, with this quarter’s payment reaching $50,000.

This represents a strategic shift reflecting its ambition to compete for federal veteran education dollars.

The University previously retained Holland & Knight LLP from August 2023 to April 2024, spending $80,000 on narrow advocacy for "securing program approval for veterans to utilize education benefits."

Brownstein’s roster includes extensive defense and appropriations experience—representing clients like Precision Castparts Corp. and Qualcomm Inc..

The Agenda

The University of Health & Performance LLC has evolved its lobbying strategy significantly since August 2023. Initially focused on "securing program approval for veterans to utilize education benefits" for GI Bill eligibility, the organization now pursues a broader agenda:

This shift reflects a mature strategy—moving beyond individual program approval to securing dedicated funding streams through major legislative vehicles. The organization is positioning itself to capitalize on congressional focus on veteran education efficiency and VA healthcare workforce shortages.

Broader Context

Congress is grappling with an acute crisis in veteran education benefits delivery. Multiple House committees have examined payment failures and bureaucratic delays at the Veterans Benefits Administration, driving urgent demand for reliable educational partners.

Several legislative priorities align with the University’s mission. The THRIVE Act would establish VA task forces to expand veteran access to health and wellness coaching programs. The MEDIC Careers Act aims to streamline military medics’ transition into civilian healthcare roles. The VETS Opportunity Act would allow GI Bill use for hybrid skilled trade programs.

Bipartisan support remains strong. Senator Rosen led 22 senators in opposing cuts to foundational programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The University operates in a competitive space where traditional universities like Washington State are lobbying for veteran health professional education funding.

Between The Lines

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held hearings examining bureaucratic delays at the Veterans Benefits Administration and payment failures in VA education programs, highlighting systemic inefficiencies.

Key bills align with the University’s priorities: the THRIVE Act would establish a VA task force for complementary health therapies, the MEDIC Careers Act improves military medics’ civilian transitions, and the PARA-EMT Act provides EMS training grants.

Competitive Landscape

The University of Health & Performance LLC operates within a competitive veteran education market. Quanta Services Inc. lobbied to make lineman training programs GI Bill-eligible, while Washington State University advocates for funding supporting veteran students in health fields.

The University’s shift toward lobbying on major appropriations vehicles suggests a strategy to secure dedicated funding streams rather than relying solely on program-by-program GI Bill approval—a more ambitious positioning within this crowded field.

The Bottom Line

University of Health & Performance LLC is escalating federal lobbying efforts with a $50,000 fourth payment to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, bringing total engagement to $180,000 since February 2025. The organization shifted from seeking individual program approval to targeting FY 2026 Appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act—a more ambitious strategy for securing dedicated veteran education funding. Congress is actively addressing veteran education benefits through hearings on payment delays and relevant bills like the THRIVE Act, creating opportunities for specialized training providers in the competitive veteran education landscape.

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