H.R. 6033: Strengthening Transparent Reporting to Improve Veteran Equality Act of 2025

This bill, officially titled the Strengthening Transparent Reporting to Improve Veteran Equality Act of 2025 (or STRIVE Act of 2025), aims to address disparities in the receipt of disability benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs among former members of the Armed Forces based on race, ethnicity, and gender.

Key Provisions

• Reports Required: The bill mandates two main reports:
  • The Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report within 180 days of the bill's enactment detailing disparities in benefits received by former service members over the past 15 years, including data on discharge characterizations and benefit applications.
  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a report within 365 days, outlining steps taken to address limitations in data collection and an action plan to tackle identified disparities.
• Data Collection: The bill emphasizes the importance of collecting and publishing data regarding the race, ethnicity, and gender of all applicants for disability benefits to help identify and address any disparities.
• Regular Updates: Following the submission of the initial report, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement the action plan and provide annual updates on progress made toward addressing disparities in benefits.

Findings of the Bill

• The bill highlights findings from a Department of Defense report which indicates that there are notable racial and ethnic disparities in administrative actions taken against Black members of the Armed Forces compared to White members.
• A report on VA disability benefits indicates that Black, non-Hispanic applicants have the lowest approval rates for benefits, and specifically men of this demographic face even lower approval rates compared to applicants of other races or genders.
• It is noted that female former members are less likely to apply for disability benefits compared to their male counterparts.

Goals of the Bill

The primary goal of the bill is to ensure fairness and equality in the administration of disability benefits for veterans. By improving data collection, transparency, and addressing identified disparities, the legislation seeks to create a more equitable system for all veterans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.

Relevant Companies

None found.