PASSED: McGarvey-Led Bill to Improve VA for Disabled Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 17, 2024) – Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and David G. Valadao (CA-22) to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) more accessible for disabled veterans.
“Anyone who has served our country should be able to access the benefits they’ve earned without confusion or worry,” said Rep. McGarvey. “I’ve heard from disabled veterans in Louisville who have difficulty navigating the VA, whether it’s accessing physical infrastructure or navigating benefits applications. Our bipartisan bill requires the VA to listen directly to disabled vets about their needs and center them in the decision-making process. I was thrilled to see our bill passed through the House today—one step closer to being signed into law!”
The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024 would require the VA Secretary to create a permanent advisory committee on issues related to the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments, hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities.
The advisory committee would be composed of 15 disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives, and it would provide informal consultations and advice to the Secretary and other VA officials, as well as formal reports.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has responsibilities to disabled veterans under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, and other laws that require equal access to benefits, services, information, and facilities for individuals with disabilities. VA serves or employs thousands of veterans with disabilities and has a special obligation to support them. While VA has made some progress in recent years improving accessibility, much more needs to be done.
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