In an uncommon show of solidarity, the House unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at reinstating a vital office that advocates for the families of American veterans.
The “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” also referred to as H.R. 1228, received approval from the House with a 424-0 vote, highlighting a significant bipartisan initiative to restore the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its previous status under the secretary of Veterans Affairs.
This decision ensures that the office will once again serve as the main advisor on issues related to military families and the surviving members of the armed forces. Reports indicate that the bill’s approval reverses a 2021 decision that diminished support for veterans’ survivors.
“To clarify the structure of the Office of Survivors Assistance within the Department of Veterans Affairs,” the bill, sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), modifies Title 38, United States Code, as noted by GovTrack. The Senate is now set to review the proposal.
Former Georgia Republican lawmaker and former VA Secretary Doug Collins recently expressed his support for Elon Musk and his initiatives within the Department of Government Efficiency aimed at streamlining government operations, including his own department.
“I will make decisions that prioritize my staff and the veterans. They are approaching issues with fresh perspectives and providing us with valuable insights,” Collins stated in an interview with NewsNation. “It is imperative that we deliver the highest quality of care to the veterans who are in need.”
In a recent video, Collins also addressed the “rumors” suggesting that Trump would implement substantial cuts to veterans’ care and VA benefits.
He asserted, “We are reinstating Veterans as the top priority at the VA,” noting that while change may bring about some conflict and uncertainty, the primary objective remains the welfare of veterans.
Collins refuted several allegations, including claims that VA health care would deteriorate. He categorically denied this assertion, emphasizing that the department has enhanced its benefits and health care services by maintaining 300,000 essential positions to ensure continuity of services. He also countered another rumor that suggested a reduction in veterans’ benefits.
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“That is not the case,” he stated, adding that rather than decreasing VA funding, the agency has redirected nearly $98 million towards veterans’ care and services.
In response to the rumor regarding the dismissal of Veterans Crisis Line responders, Collins, who holds the rank of colonel and serves as an Air Force Reserve chaplain, spoke out.
He reassured that those who handle crisis calls will remain available to support veterans in need, stating, “We did not terminate any Veteran Crisis Line responders.”
Collins further advised veterans to obtain information directly from the VA rather than relying on misleading information circulated during political discussions.
He referenced politically motivated yet false claims regarding cuts to VA services under the current administration, stating, “When you seek the truth, come to me, not the misleading narratives circulating on Capitol Hill.”