Bipartisan legislation co-introduced by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) to streamline and expedite the processing of veterans’ benefits claims cleared the House on Monday. The bill had bipartisan support from 175 cosponsors.
The Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now (WINGMAN) Act, H.R. 512, would give certified congressional staff read-only access to pending veterans’ claims, medical records, rating decisions, notices of disagreement, Form-9 files and other documents without having to go through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Certified congressional staff are currently able to access veterans’ claims. However, the WINGMAN Act would remove the VA as a middleman that staffers have to go through in an effort to expedite the process.
Davis said members of Congress helping constituents with casework, or ensuring that federal agencies are responsive to the people they represent, is one of the most important jobs they have.
“Unfortunately, not only has the VA been unresponsive to many of our constituents, they also have been one of the most difficult agencies to work with when we contact them on their behalf,” Davis said. “This legislation will not solve the systemic problems plaguing the VA, which I hope will be addressed by the VA Secretary to-be, David Shulkin, but it will help us hold them accountable and get answers for the veterans we are honored to represent. I hope the Senate will take this bill up immediately so we can improve care for our veterans.”
Davis introduced the bill along with Ted Yoho (R-FL). “The interaction between congressional offices and the VA, on behalf of our veterans, should be seamless,” Yoho said.
“It is unacceptable that extended periods of time pass by before congressional offices are able to receive the files they’ve requested from the VA to help veterans. No service member should have to wait to receive benefits they have more than earned.” Yoho added.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) also served as a cosponsor of the WINGMAN Act.
“Our district is home to more veterans than any congressional district in New York State, and I am proud to help pass this important, bipartisan legislation to ensure we get our heroes the benefits they deserve,” Stefanik said. “This legislation will help my office serve our brave veterans by expediting the VA claims process and help them get their earned benefits in a timely manner.”