H.R. 2970: National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025

This bill, titled the National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025, aims to improve advocacy for veterans receiving healthcare and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation proposes to establish an independent Office of the National Veterans’ Advocate within the VA that will prioritize the needs and issues faced by veterans.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of Office: The bill creates an independent Office of the National Veterans’ Advocate, replacing the current Office of Patient Advocacy. This office will report directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
• Role of the National Veterans’ Advocate: A designated official known as the National Veterans’ Advocate will oversee this office. This Advocate will be responsible for supervising veteran advocacy efforts and will have the authority to make recommendations for improvements in veteran care and services, as well as to report directly to Congress on these matters.
• Case Management: The Office will have the authority to manage casework issues across the Department and provide a system for veterans to request assistance with their casework. It aims to ensure that veterans have timely access to dedicated advocates for their issues.
• Deputy Advocates: Each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) will have a Deputy National Veterans' Advocate managing casework, ensuring an adequate number of veteran advocates are available based on the veteran population in the area.
• Training for Advocates: The legislation mandates annual training for veteran advocates to ensure they are knowledgeable about VA policies, crisis management, and relevant updates.
• Reports and Recommendations: The National Veterans’ Advocate is required to submit semiannual reports to Congress on the operations of the office, including independent legislative recommendations to improve health outcomes and efficiency for veterans.
• Funding: The bill authorizes $25 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the establishment and ongoing operation of the Office of the National Veterans’ Advocate.

Overall Objectives

The primary goal of the National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025 is to enhance the advocacy framework within the Department of Veterans Affairs. By establishing an independent office focused solely on veteran advocacy, the bill aims to ensure veterans receive better support, clearer communication, and more effective assistance in navigating their healthcare and benefits.

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