WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act. This legislation would make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) more accessible for our 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 sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have access to the benefits and services they’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “Sadly, too many disabled veterans in the Central Valley face unnecessary obstacles in accessing the care they deserve. This bipartisan bill will give them a direct voice in decisions about accessibility—ensuring the VA prioritizes their needs and meets its obligations.”

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, much more needs to be done. The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 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 and hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities. The advisory committee would be composed of 15 individuals including disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives.

H.R. 7342, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, passed the House unanimously in the 118th Congress.

Read the full bill here.

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