A group of Senate Republicans is backing new legislation intended to help veterans better understand the benefits they are entitled to and how to access them through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The new legislation — called the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act — is being championed by four Republican members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, who say the VA’s approach to communicating veterans’ rights is often fragmented and opaque. Rather than being presented in a clear and centralized manner, information about benefits and protections is spread across statutes, regulations and internal agency guidance, leaving many vets unaware of what assistance is available to them, the Republicans say.
“Navigating complex statutes, regulations, and internal policies can be confusing, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect or what questions to ask about the resources available to them,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA health care, benefits, and services.”
Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act by melissanewsham
While federal law already guarantees a wide range of health care services and other benefits, veterans and advocacy groups have long argued that accessing those benefits remains difficult in practice. For instance, about 60% of vets ages 45 and older were unaware that the VA offers grants to modify their homes for accessibility, according to a 2024 national survey.
“Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and I always hear from them about how tough it is to navigate bureaucratic VA processes,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, another sponsor of the bill.
The proposed legislation requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure vets receive consistent, plain-language explanations of their rights across all VA programs and facilities. Rather than creating new benefits, the bill directs the VA to more clearly communicate what veterans are already entitled to under existing law.
If enacted, the measure would also require information be incorporated into patient-facing materials, staff training programs and prominently displayed at VA facilities and online.
“Veterans shouldn’t have to wade through red tape just to understand the rights they’ve already earned through their service,” said Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act makes those rights clear and consistent across the VA, so veterans know what to expect and can focus on getting the care and benefits they deserve.”
Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana added that the bill is aimed at “holding the VA accountable to its core mission of serving veterans.”
“As a combat veteran, I’m proud to help establish the Veterans’ Bill of Rights to deliver those who proudly served our country in uniform the information, support, and care they need to live a healthy, successful life,” said Sheehy.
Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa is introducing a companion bill in the House.
The legislation has drawn support from a range of veterans advocacy groups, including the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Veteran Action and Concerned Veterans for America.
“Veterans cannot exercise their benefits if they are not informed of their rights,” SOAA Executive Director Jeremy Thompson said in a statement. “This legislation strengthens transparency and accountability across the VA, ensuring that Veterans are afforded the dignity and respect they have earned through their service.”
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