A permanent advisory committee would be established within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study equal access to services and benefits for America’s disabled military veterans under a bipartisan bill proposed on Feb. 7 by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA).
“Sadly, too many disabled veterans … face unnecessary obstacles in accessing the care they deserve,” Rep. Valadao said. “This bipartisan bill will give them a direct voice in decisions about accessibility — ensuring the VA prioritizes their needs and meets its obligations.”
The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025, H.R. 1147, which Rep. Valadao sponsored alongside two Democratic original cosponsors, would establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access.
The advisory committee would delve into issues related to the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments and hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s office.
The advisory committee would be composed of 15 individuals, including disabled veterans, experts, VA employees, and veteran service organization representatives, the summary says.
Under the bill, the VA Secretary would be required to meet with the advisory committee at least twice a year to gain advice and insight into such access information for disabled veterans.