WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced H.R. 7342, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act. The legislation aims to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) more accessible for disabled veterans by establishing a permanent advisory committee within the VA to allow for direct and regular communication with the Secretary on behalf of 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “Sadly, many of our disabled veterans in the Central Valley have struggled to access the services they need. 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.”

“Anyone who has served our country should be able to access the benefits they’ve earned without confusion or worry,” said Congressman McGarvey. “Disabled veterans in my district, Louisville, Kentucky, have shared that they often have difficulties navigating the VA, from accessing physical infrastructure to navigating benefits applications. 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.”

Background: 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has responsibilities to disabled veterans under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, and other laws that require equal access to benefits, services, information, and facilities for individuals with disabilities. VA serves or employs thousands of veterans with disabilities and has a special obligation to support them. While VA has made some progress in recent years improving accessibility as a result of the VA Website Accessibility Act of 2019, [P.L. 116-213], much more needs to be done. The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024 would require the VA Secretary to create an advisory committee on issues relating to the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments, hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities. The advisory committee would be composed of 15 disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives.

Read a one page summary of the bill here.