In a rare display of unity, the House unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday to revive a crucial office that represents the families of American veterans.
The “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” also known as H.R. 1228, was passed by the House by a 424-0 vote, demonstrating a strong bipartisan effort to return the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its former position under the secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The action guarantees that the office will once again be the primary advisor on matters pertaining to military families and the surviving members of the armed forces. According to reports, the bill’s passage overturns a 2021 action that marginalized support for veterans’ survivors.
“To clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” the bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends Title 38, United States Code, according to GovTrack. The Senate is now going to consider the measure.
Former Georgia Republican lawmaker and VA Secretary Doug Collins recently stated that he supports Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency initiatives to streamline the government, including his department.
“I’ll make choices that are best for my staff and the veterans. They’re looking at things with new eyes and giving us good advice,” Collins told NewsNation. “We must ensure that we are providing the best care possible for the veterans who are out there.”
In a recent video, Collins also addressed “rumors” that Trump would impose significant cuts to veterans’ care and VA benefits.
He declared, “We’re putting Veterans number one back at the VA,” adding that although change can lead to some conflict and uncertainty, the main goal was still to care for veterans.
