Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman announced the re-introduction of four legislative measures aimed at supporting veterans and enhancing accountability within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate administrative barriers to VA services and improve the overall experience for veterans.

"Our veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service," stated Congressman Wittman. "These bills make it easier for veterans to access services within the VA, improve the care they receive once they enter the VA system, and help connect veterans with mental health and counseling resources during times of crisis. I’m proud of my work to advocate for Virginia’s veterans community, but there is much more to be done. I look forward to advancing these bills during the 119th Congress."

The introduced bills include:

- Veterans Choice Accountability Act: This bill aims to expand veteran access to non-VA medical care and establish a review process for the VA's implementation of the Veterans Choice Program.

- Veterans Collaboration Act: This proposal calls for a VA pilot program designed to foster collaboration between qualified non-profit veterans service organizations (VSOs) and educational institutions assisting veterans.

- Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures with DoD Doctors Act: This legislation seeks to accelerate access to care by preventing additional medical screenings before issuing a disability rating. It also mandates electronic sharing of medical and service record data between the VA and U.S. Department of Defense.

- BRAVE Act: This act proposes creating a notification system alerting veterans about counseling and mental health options in response to crises while prioritizing privacy concerns by allowing opt-in notifications.

In October 2024, Rep. Wittman organized seminars in Mechanicsville and Midlothian, bringing together veterans, their families, support organizations, and community members to discuss challenges faced by Virginia's First District veteran community. He also held a telephone town hall focused on veteran issues in November 2023 with Commissioner Daniel Gade from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, followed by a roundtable discussion in February 2023.