The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 17 approved a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) that would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create an advisory committee that would address the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments, hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities.
The congressman introduced H.R. 7342 on Feb. 13 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) to establish the permanent advisory committee within the VA to allow for direct and regular communication with the VA Secretary on behalf of disabled veterans.
“Central Valley veterans deserve a VA that’s responsive to their needs, but sadly many of our disabled veterans are getting left behind,” said Rep. Valadao. “This bill ensures disabled veterans have a seat at the table in providing feedback directly to the Secretary of the VA so they can easily access the benefits, services, and facilities they’ve earned.”
If enacted, H.R. 7342 would require the advisory committee to be composed of 15 disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.
The advisory committee would provide informal consultations and advice to the VA Secretary and other VA officials, as well as formal reports. The bill would also abolish an inactive or defunct VA advisory committee to control the growth of such advisory committees and ensure resources are being allocated properly, the summary says.
The U.S. Senate received the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024, H.R. 7342, for consideration on Sept. 18.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line,” Rep. Valadao said on Tuesday.