The U.S. House of Representatives, 2015 (Photo: Stephen Melkisethian)
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed seven bipartisan bills designed to improve services and support for Veterans and their families. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) issued a statement commending the bipartisan effort, saying the legislation is focused on cutting bureaucratic red tape and improving access to benefits. He also acknowledged the leadership of Representatives Barrett, Van Orden, Ciscomani, LaLota, Strickland, and Delegate Moylan in moving the bills forward.
The following bills were approved:
H.R. 1228 – Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act
Introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), this bill elevates the Office of Survivors Assistance within the Department of Veterans Affairs by placing it directly under the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The goal is to increase accountability and ensure survivors of Veterans receive prompt attention and support.
H.R. 981 – VETT Act (Veterans Education Transparency and Training Act)
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) introduced this bill to improve oversight and transparency of educational programs offered to Veterans. The legislation strengthens the approval process for schools under the VA’s educational assistance programs and aims to improve outcomes for Veterans pursuing higher education.
H.R. 983 – Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025
Also introduced by Rep. Orden, this bill mandates that public institutions of higher education charge in-state tuition to reservists using the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve education benefits, provided they reside in the same state. This change helps align tuition benefits for reservists with those already available to Service Members.
H.R. 586 – Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act
Sponsored by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), this bill calls for a study by the VA on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) among Veterans who served in Vietnam. The study will compare cancer rates among these Veterans to those in the general U.S. population, potentially identifying links between military service in Vietnam and this rare form of cancer.
H.R. 1039 – Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act
Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) introduced this bill to simplify the communication process for Veterans applying for benefits. It directs the VA to work with a federally funded research organization to evaluate and improve the clarity of letters and notices sent to Veterans during the claims process, aiming to make complex legal and procedural language easier to understand.
H.R. 877 – Deliver for Veterans Act
Introduced by Del. James Moylan (R-Guam), this legislation requires the VA to cover costs when providing adaptive vehicles to disabled Veterans as part of existing benefits. Prior to this bill, only the vehicle’s purchase price was covered, often leaving Veterans responsible for shipping or delivery expenses.
H.R. 970 – Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act of 2025
Sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), this bill requires the VA to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage amounts available under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, SGLI, and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, VGLI, every five years. The report will account for inflation and recommend adjustments to ensure that life insurance benefits remain aligned with economic conditions.
Each bill now goes to the Senate.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
