Barrett’s Bipartisan Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act Passes House, Fifth Bill To Advance This Year
H.R. 3481 to Bring VA Benefit Communications into 21st Century
Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) continued his leadership for veterans in the U.S. House of Representatives with the unanimous passage of his bipartisan Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act (H.R. 3481). This is Barrett’s fifth piece of legislation to pass the House of Representatives this year.
The Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act would give veterans the option to receive digital updates from the Department of Veterans Affairs about G.I. Bill and Solid Start benefits. This is a change from the current process which only allows for physical mail delivery.
“The G.I. Bill and Solid Start programs are critical for helping retired service members transition back into their communities and civilian life. It’s time we bring them into the 21st century,” said Barrett. “Veterans shouldn’t have to wait around checking their mailboxes for paper updates about their benefits. This bill allows veterans to receive notifications wherever they are – on their phone, tablet, or computer — like they do with everything else in life. This is an easy fix to a problem that shouldn’t exist, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going.”
Background:
The G.I. Bill provides financial assistance for veterans to obtain higher education or job training. The VA's Solid Start program complements the G.I. Bill by having specially trained representatives call newly separated veterans throughout their first year out of the service. This program helps veterans transition to civilian life and connects them with various VA benefits and services. Together, the G.I. Bill and Solid Start form a crucial support system for veterans' educational advancement and successful transition back home.
Barrett is leading multiple efforts to improve communication about veterans’ benefits. In addition to the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act, he also sponsored the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act (H.R. 1039), which would require the VA to make notices about claims simpler and easier to understand. The bill passed the House unanimously in April.
Click here or the image above to watch Rep. Barrett’s remarks on the House Floor.