House Advances Key Veterans Bills: Three Critical Pieces for PVA Members
On September 17, the House passed several pieces of veteran-focused legislation, including three bills of particular interest to PVA members:
1. H.R. 777 – Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2024
This bill would increase compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities, dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors, and other related benefits. The COLA would match any increase in Social Security benefits.
2. H.R. 6324 – Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
This legislation would authorize the VA to carry out major medical facility projects during FY 2024, setting maximum spending limits for each project. While $3.3 billion has already been appropriated for major VA construction, including $3.12 million for a new SCI/D building in San Diego and other facility improvements like seismic corrections, this authorization is necessary before the funds can be spent.
3. H.R. 7342 – Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024
This bill, which has now moved to the Senate, would establish a Federal Advisory Committee focused on accessibility across the VA system. It would ensure that several veterans service organizations have input when analyzing the challenges faced by disabled veterans. This legislation was a key priority during PVA’s Advocacy Legislation Seminar in June.
PVA encourages members to contact their senators through PVAction Force, urging support for H.R. 7342 as it progresses through the Senate.
