S. 2264: Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2025, is designed to improve the emergency management capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It proposes several key actions to enhance the VA's preparedness and response to emergencies affecting veterans.

Key Provisions

1. Report on Emergency Management Roles

Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a report detailing:

• The roles and responsibilities of all offices within the VA that are involved in emergency management.
• The organizational structure of these offices during normal operations and during emergencies.
• The specific duties of each office, especially those shared between the Office of Emergency Management and the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.
• Recommendations for improving the management structure to eliminate redundancy and enhance accountability.
• An analysis of whether to consolidate these offices into a single centralized emergency management office for better communication and efficiency.

2. Report on Regional Readiness Centers

Also within 180 days, a report must be submitted regarding the VA's Regional Readiness Centers. This report will cover:

• The number of requests made for supplies from these centers and the types and amounts of materials distributed.
• Current inventory status and changes in inventory over the last two years.
• The percentage of inventory that is expired or nearing expiration.
• Operational costs associated with these centers.
• An analysis of the types of emergencies these centers are equipped to respond to and any plans to adjust the number or function of these centers.

3. Fuel Sharing Coordination

Within 90 days following the enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report on the ability for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide fuel and resources to the VA during emergencies. The report will address:

• Current limitations preventing FEMA from providing these resources.
• Whether congressional action is needed to enable such resource sharing.
• Challenges in coordination between the VA and FEMA during past emergencies.
• Any required actions by Congress to resolve these issues.

Overall Goals

The bill aims to streamline and enhance the VA's emergency management functions, ensuring that it is better equipped to respond to crises faced by veterans. It emphasizes accountability, efficient resource management, and improved coordination with other federal agencies.

Relevant Companies

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