The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025

This bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Ann Kuster (D-NH), among others.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the “Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025”.

SECTION 2. VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EQUAL ACCESS

(a) EDITION.—Subchapter III of chapter 56 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

§ 549. Advisory Committee on Equal Access

(a) EDITION.—(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee on matters relating to accessibility of the Department for individuals with disabilities.

(2) The advisory committee established under paragraph (1) shall be known as the “Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access” (in this section referred to as the “Advisory Committee”).

(b) MEMBERSHIP

(1) The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 15 voting members, appointed by the Secretary.

In appointing such members, the Secretary shall ensure the following:

(A) Four are veterans with disabilities, including mobility impairment, hearing, visual, and mental or cognitive disabilities.
(B) Four are experts on issues described in subsection (f)(1)(A) or the provisions of law set forth under subsection (f)(1)(B).
(C) Two are employees of the Department, one from the Section 508 Office and one from the Architectural Accessibility Program, who oversee the compliance of the Department with Federal accessibility laws.
(D) Five are representatives nominated by veterans service organizations, recognized under section 5902 of this title, that advocate for veterans with physical, sensory, mental, or cognitive disabilities.

(2) The Advisory Committee shall also include four ex officio members (or their designees):

(A) The Under Secretary for Health.
(B) The Under Secretary for Benefits.
(C) The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs.
(D) The chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established by section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93–112; 29 U.S.C. 792).

(c) TERMS; VACANCIES

(1) A member of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a term of two years.

The Secretary may reappoint members to the Advisory Committee for such additional two-year terms as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2) The Secretary shall fill a vacancy in the Advisory Committee in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 180 days after such vacancy occurs.

(d) MEETINGS; SUBCOMMITTEES; QUORUM

(1) The Advisory Committee shall meet not less frequently than once a year, and more often if the Secretary deems necessary, to consider the matters within its jurisdiction.

The Advisory Committee may hold hearings and subcommittee meetings as needed.

(2) The Advisory Committee shall have authority to conduct studies of the Department’s policies and procedures related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

(e) DUTIES

The Advisory Committee shall:

(1) Advise the Secretary on matters within its jurisdiction, including policy recommendations.
(2) Conduct studies of the Department’s policies and procedures related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
(3) Review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Department’s programs and services in ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities.

SECTION 3. EXTENSION ON LIMITATION OF CERTAIN PENSION PAYMENTS TO VETERANS ADMITTED TO NURSING FACILITIES

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking “November 30, 2031” and inserting “January 31, 2032”.

IMPLEMENTATION; ABOLITION OF INACTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and before establishing the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access under section 549 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall:

(1) Abolish an advisory committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs that was not established by an Act of Congress and is inactive.
(2) Consolidate two advisory committees described in paragraph (1).
(3) Submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a recommendation to abolish an advisory committee of the Department that was established by an Act of Congress and is inactive.