Bill · H.R. 9152· House(119-HR-9152)
VETRA Act
- Introduced
- 6/4/2026
- Last activity
- 6/12/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The VETRA Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to modernize digital identity and authentication systems. This program aims to replace old, single-factor verification methods with more secure, multi-layered digital solutions. The Secretary will test these systems on up to three high-volume digital service platforms, such as disability compensation or health care enrollment. The program will use risk-tiered implementation to match authentication requirements with the sensitivity of the transaction. The Secretary is authorized to spend up to $25,000,000 on this initiative. An independent evaluation by the GAO will also be conducted to review the program's effectiveness.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+5
The bill mandates high-assurance digital identity standards and compliance with federal privacy laws.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+4
The bill modernizes the security and digital access of essential veteran benefit platforms.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill aims to reduce costs through fraud reduction and administrative efficiencies in VA digital service platforms.
The opposite
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?-2
The new digital identity requirements may create new barriers to access for veterans with disabilities.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-2
The bill identifies potential barriers to access for veterans residing in rural areas due to new digital identity requirements.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-1
New digital requirements may create barriers for those with limited digital literacy or resources.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Security and Access: The bill seeks to replace legacy identity verification with high-assurance digital solutions to improve secure access to digital service platforms for veterans and eligible individuals (Section 2(a)(1) and 2(a)(3)).
-
Fraud Reduction: The pilot program is designed to reduce fraud and improper payments (Section 2(a)(2)).
-
Efficient Authentication: By using risk-tiered implementation, the Secretary will ensure that more rigorous authentication requirements are only applied when warranted by risk (Section 2(c)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Barriers to Access: There is a potential for the new systems to create barriers to access for specific groups, including veterans residing in rural areas, those with disabilities, or those with limited digital literacy (Section 2(g)(1)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+4
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+3Good For Rural Residents-2Good For Low Income Households-1
- 9/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/12/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- 6/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Russell FryRepublican · South Carolina
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey