In a rare instance of bipartisan unity, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1228, the “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” with a resounding vote of 424-0 on Thursday. This legislation serves as a critical step toward reinstating the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its original role within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By passing this bill, lawmakers ensured that the office will again serve as the principal advisor on policies affecting military families, specifically the survivors of veterans who have died in military service.
This move to restore the OSA is a direct reversal of a 2021 decision that diminished the advocacy efforts for military survivors. Under previous administrations, the OSA had been tasked with guiding the VA’s efforts to improve the lives of military families and veterans’ survivors. However, in 2021, this vital advocacy role was sidelined, prompting growing concern that the department was failing to adequately represent those who lost loved ones in service to the nation. With Thursday’s vote, the House has now ensured that this crucial office will again have a prominent voice in shaping policy on behalf of the survivors of U.S. military personnel.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends Title 38 of the United States Code, which governs veterans’ benefits, to re-establish the Office of Survivors Assistance under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. According to GovTrack, the measure is expected to bring long-needed improvements to the way the VA organizes its approach to survivor assistance, empowering the OSA to play a more active role in policy-making and advocating for the needs of military families. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it awaits further consideration.
VA Secretary Doug Collins Supports Efforts to Streamline Veterans’ Services and Address Misinformation
VA Secretary Doug Collins, a former Republican lawmaker from Georgia, has become a leading advocate for streamlining the operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensuring that the department’s efforts are focused on improving services for veterans. Collins has shown support for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been working to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in the federal government, including the VA.
In a recent interview with NewsNation, Collins explained that his primary focus remains on delivering the best possible service to veterans. He emphasized that any changes or reforms implemented at the VA are done with the goal of improving the lives of veterans and their families. “I’m going to make decisions best for my employees and best for the veterans. They’re giving us good advice, looking with fresh eyes,” Collins said.
Collins also responded to recent rumors suggesting there would be significant cuts to veterans’ benefits under President Trump’s administration. In a direct address to these rumors, Collins categorically rejected claims that veterans’ health care or benefits would be reduced. “We’re putting Veterans number one back at the VA,” he said, emphasizing that the department’s mission remains to care for veterans and provide them with the services they deserve.
The VA Secretary highlighted that nearly $98 million had been redirected toward veterans’ care and services, rather than being cut from the department’s budget. Collins also reassured veterans that no layoffs had occurred among those working on the Veterans Crisis Line, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining critical services for veterans in need. He urged veterans to seek information directly from the VA instead of relying on “misinformation” spread by political sources.
VA Employees and Workforce Reductions
Despite addressing the rumors, Collins did announce that the VA would be offering employees the opportunity to retire or resign before a potential workforce reduction later in the fiscal year. According to Stars and Stripes, employees who opt for deferred resignation or retirement will continue to receive full pay and benefits through the end of September, the conclusion of the fiscal year. This program aims to streamline operations and allow the department to focus on delivering services to veterans.
