Valadao bill to help disabled veterans access VA services

U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) sponsored bipartisan legislation on Feb. 13 to create a permanent advisory committee within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to allow for better communication with disabled veterans.

“Our veterans have made unimaginable sacrifices in defense of our freedom, and it is our duty to provide the highest level of care for these brave men and women,” Rep. Valadao said. “Sadly, many of our disabled veterans in the Central Valley have struggled to access the services they need.”

To rectify that, the congressman introduced the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024, H.R. 7342, along with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY). The bill would require the VA Secretary to establish an 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, according to a bill summary.

“This bipartisan bill ensures disabled veterans have a seat at the table in providing feedback to the VA so they can easily access the benefits, services, and facilities they’ve earned,” Rep. Valadao said.

The advisory committee would be composed of 15 disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives, the summary said.

“I’m proud to join Rep. Valadao on this bipartisan bill to ensure the VA is hearing directly from disabled vets about their needs and keep them at the center of the VA’s decision-making process,” Rep. McGarvey said.