Bill · H.R. 2970· House(119-HR-2970)
National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/17/2025
- Last activity
- 5/12/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Rudy Yakym
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025," seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code. It transforms the existing Office of Patient Advocacy into an independent Office of the National Veterans' Advocate. The new office will be led by a National Veterans' Advocate who reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This office is tasked with monitoring Department processes, managing casework, and identifying problems veterans face when dealing with the Department. Additionally, the bill establishes Deputy National Veterans' Advocates within Veterans Integrated Service Networks to manage casework employees.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+8
The bill provides significant benefits through enhanced advocacy, oversight, and caseworker assistance for veterans.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+7
The bill enhances veteran healthcare through increased oversight, dedicated advocacy, and improved casework management.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The bill improves veterans' benefits by establishing an independent office to oversee and advocate for their needs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Independence and Oversight: The bill changes the office from one within the Office of the Under Secretary for Health to an "independent office" that is "independent of the Secretary" (Sec. 2(a)(2) and Sec. 2(a)(4)). This could provide more objective oversight of Department processes.
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Improved Casework Management: The Office will have the authority to "manage casework issues across the Department" and will establish a "casework request portal" for veterans to request assistance (Sec. 2(a)(6) and Sec. 2(a)(h)). This includes the ability to use forms to facilitate "rapid assignment of a local veteran advocate caseworker" (Sec. 2(a)(6)).
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Enhanced Problem Identification and Resolution: The office is tasked with identifying "areas in which veterans have problems in dealings with the Department" and proposing changes to "mitigate problems identified" (Sec. 2(a)(6)).
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Direct Reporting to Congress: The National Veterans' Advocate must submit reports twice a year to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House. These reports can include "independent legislative recommendations" that cannot be reviewed by the Secretary or other Department officials prior to submission, ensuring more candid feedback reaches Congress (Sec. 2(a)(6)).
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Guaranteed Staffing Levels: The bill requires that for each Veterans Integrated Service Network, the Department employs "at least one veteran advocate for every 12,000 veterans" living in that geographic area (Sec. 2(a)(f)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Government Spending: The bill authorizes $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out these new functions (Sec. 2(a)(k)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+8
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 7/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 4/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Max MillerRepublican · Ohio