Bringing VA Benefit Updates into the 21st Century

Veterans put it all on the line in service to our country. The last thing they should face when they return home is never-ending delays and hurdles just to access the benefits they earned.

I’m committed to fixing that, which is why I’m proud to share that my bipartisan Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act (H.R. 3481) recently passed the House of Representatives – with unanimous support – to help connect veterans to their benefits more efficiently and reliably by bringing communications into the 21st century.

Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs is required to send updates about G.I. Bill and Solid Start benefits through the postal service. Updating veterans only by mail is outdated, slow, and at times, completely unreliable when critical updates get lost in delivery. Even when benefit information makes it to the mailbox, veterans are searching for essential news and instructions about their benefits amongst piles of junk mail.

My bill would empower veterans to choose faster, more reliable communication about the benefits they earned. Veterans could opt into electronic communications, so they can get updates directly to their computer, phone, or tablet.

This digital option will help veterans get their benefits more efficiently while freeing up more resources to support their needs.

The Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act was my fifth bill to pass the House. Now, I’ll continue working to secure the Senate’s approval so we can get this bill to the president’s desk and modernize communication for our veterans.