In an uncommon show of solidarity, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at reinstating a vital office that advocates for the families of American veterans.
The legislation, known as the ‘Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act’ or H.R. 1228, received overwhelming support 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 principal advisor on issues related to military families and the survivors of armed forces members.
Reports indicate that the bill’s approval reverses a 2021 decision that diminished support for veterans’ survivors.
Sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), the bill seeks to clarify the organizational structure of the Office of Survivors Assistance within the Department of Veterans Affairs, as outlined in Title 38 of the United States Code, and is now set to be reviewed by the Senate.
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 staff and the veterans. They are approaching issues with fresh perspectives and providing valuable insights,” Collins stated in an interview with NewsNation. “It is imperative that we deliver the highest quality of care to the veterans we serve.”
In a recent video, Collins also addressed the “rumors” regarding potential substantial reductions in veterans’ care and VA benefits proposed by Trump.
He asserted, “We are reinstating the priority of Veterans 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 stated that the agency has not reduced funding for Veterans Affairs, but rather has redirected nearly $98 million towards services and care for veterans.
In response to the rumors regarding the dismissal of responders at the Veterans Crisis Line, Collins, a colonel and chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, clarified that those who handle crisis calls will remain available to support veterans in need, asserting, ‘We did not terminate any responders from the Veteran Crisis Line.’
He encouraged veterans to seek information directly from the VA rather than relying on misleading claims that often arise during political discussions.
He referred to unfounded allegations about cuts to VA services under the current administration, emphasizing, ‘For the truth, come to me, not the misleading narratives circulating on Capitol Hill.’ However, as reported by Stars and Stripes, Collins did inform employees via an email on Friday evening that the agency would be offering deferred resignation or retirement options ahead of a planned workforce reduction later in the fiscal year.
He noted that employees who accept this offer will receive full pay and benefits until the fiscal year concludes on September 30, according to the report.
