Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced the re-introduction of four pieces of legislation to support veterans and bring more accountability and transparency to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation is aimed at removing administrative roadblocks to Veterans Administration (VA) services and improving the customer experience within the VA. 

"Our veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service,” said 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.” 

Rep. Wittman introduced the following bills:

• 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 Collaboration Act: Establishes a VA pilot program to foster collaboration between qualified non-profit veterans service organizations (VSOs) and educational institutions that provide assistance to veterans.

• 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 and requires the VA and U.S. Department of Defense to share medical and service record data electronically. 

• BRAVE Act: Creates a notification system to alert veterans of counseling and mental health options in response to crises and prioritizes privacy concerns of veterans by allowing them to opt-in to receive these notifications.

In October 2024, Rep. Wittman held veterans seminars in Mechanicsville and Midlothian to convene veterans, their families, support organizations, and community members to provide resources and discuss the challenges faced by the veterans community in Virginia’s First District. He held a veterans-focused telephone town hall in November 2023 with Commissioner Daniel Gade of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and a veterans roundtable in February 2023.

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