Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman's Veterans Collaboration Act advanced in the House Veterans Affairs Committee after receiving a favorable vote in the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The bill will now be sent to the full committee for consideration.

The Veterans Collaboration Act will establish a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to foster collaboration between qualified non-profit veterans service organizations (VSOs) and educational institutions. This initiative aims to assist veterans in filing disability compensation claims and appeals, as well as provide veterans access to pro bono legal assistance.

"Virginia’s First District is home to many veterans, and nearly 800,000 veterans call the Commonwealth of Virginia home," said Rep. Wittman. "Our men and women in uniform have earned their benefits through sacrifice, service, and hardship, and these benefits must be protected. I’m proud to see my Veterans Collaboration Act advance, and I look forward to building on this momentum so we can get our veterans the support they deserve."

Legislation introduced by Rep. Wittman includes:

- Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis (BRAVE) Act: Creates a notification system that can notify select veterans of counseling and mental health options in response to crises.

- Veterans Choice Accountability Act: Expands veteran access to non-VA medical care and establishes a review of the VA’s implementation of the Veterans Choice Program.

- Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures with DoD Doctors Act: Accelerates access to care for veterans by not subjecting them to another round of medical screenings before a disability rating is issued. The bill also continues to demand that the VA and DoD share medical and service record data electronically.

Rep. Wittman also voted for the final version of the Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education (PACT) Act, which has been signed into law. This law expands care for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and delivers them the care, benefits, and services they deserve.