Budzinski Bill to Simplify the VA’s Correspondence with Veterans Passes House

Sep 18, 2024
Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Actunanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will make it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned by requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to eliminate overcomplicated language in written communications with veterans. Budzinski introduced the legislation with Congressman John Duarte (R-CA-13) and Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12).

WATCH: Budzinski Discusses VA Correspondence Bill

WATCH: Budzinski Discusses VA Correspondence Bill

“Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to access the benefits they’ve earned because of confusing processes and overcomplicated documents,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud that my legislation with Congressman John Duarte has passed the House with broad bipartisan support as we work to simplify the Department of Veterans Affairs’ correspondence with our nation’s heroes and cut out the complicated legal jargon. By ensuring that the VA communicates clearly and concisely with our veterans, we can improve access to critical services for veterans across the country.”  

Veterans and their families often struggle with the complexity of correspondence, often called Notice Letters, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding benefits decisions, including those related to education, healthcare, and other services. The content of these letters can be confusing, which can be frustrating for veterans and increase stress levels.

The Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act will require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve VA Notice Letters so that they are shorter and easier to understand for veterans and their families. Specifically, the legislation requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to assess Notice Letters within 30 days after the Act’s enactment. It also requires the Secretary, within 90 days of receiving the assessment, to submit the recommendations from the FFRDC to the Committees on Veterans Affairs in the Senate and the House, and to implement these recommendations. The legislation is also sponsored by Representatives David Valadao (R-CA-22), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Don Davis (D-NC-05).

The full text of the bill can be found here.

###

Recent Posts


Oct 3, 2024
Press

Budzinski Leads SEEC Climate Jobs Task Force Push to Expand Incentives for Clean Energy Job Creation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), co-chairs of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Climate Jobs Task Force, along with Task Force member Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02), sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in support of the Department of Treasury’s proposed rule to expand the Inflation […]



Oct 2, 2024
Press

Budzinski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Develop Clean Hydrogen Energy for Heavy Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), alongside Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Congressman Mark Molinaro (NY-19), Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), introduced the bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act, which creates a program for hydrogen to be used to produce building materials such as steel, cement, glass, chemicals and fuel.  “Investing in 21st century energy infrastructure will create […]



Sep 30, 2024
Press

Budzinski, Golden Urge Postmaster General DeJoy to Reconsider Plans to Slow Delivery Rates for Rural Residents

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led 18 Members of Congress in a bipartisan letter calling for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider proposed changes to United States Postal Service (USPS) service standards that would exacerbate delays in mail delivery for residents in rural and underserved communities.  “We are writing to express our […]