The House passed the “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” referred to as H.R. 1228, with a unanimous vote of 424-0, highlighting a significant bipartisan initiative to restore the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its previous status under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
This measure ensures that the office will resume its role as the principal advisor on issues related to military families and the surviving members of the armed forces. Reports indicate that the approval of this bill reverses a 2021 decision that diminished support for the survivors of veterans.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to clarify the structure of the Office of Survivors Assistance within the Department of Veterans Affairs, as reported by GovTrack. The Senate is set to review this proposal.
Doug Collins, a former Republican lawmaker from Georgia and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, recently expressed his support for Elon Musk and his initiatives aimed at enhancing government efficiency, including his own department.
“I will prioritize decisions that benefit my team and the veterans. They are approaching issues with fresh perspectives and providing valuable insights,” Collins remarked to NewsNation. “It is imperative that we deliver the highest quality of care to the veterans we serve.”
In a recent video, Collins also responded to circulating “rumors” regarding potential substantial reductions in veterans’ care and VA benefits proposed by Trump.
He asserted, “We are reinstating veterans as the top priority at the VA,” emphasizing that while change may bring about some challenges and uncertainties, the primary objective remains the welfare of veterans.
He rejected several accusations, including the assertion that VA health care would deteriorate. Collins categorically dismissed this allegation, stating that the department has enhanced its benefits and health care by maintaining 300,000 essential positions to guarantee the continuity of services. Additionally, he countered another rumor suggesting that veterans’ benefits were being diminished.
He referred to allegations that are politically driven yet untrue concerning reductions in VA services under the present president, stating, “For the truth, seek me out, not the misleading narratives circulating on Capitol Hill.”
According to Stars and Stripes, Collins communicated via email to employees on Friday evening that the agency would be offering the option of deferred resignation or retirement before a workforce reduction occurs later in the fiscal year.
Collins announced that employees accepted into the program will receive full compensation and benefits until the conclusion of the fiscal year on September 30, as reported by the outlet.