Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost led a legislative hearing focusing on several key bills aimed at addressing issues affecting veterans and their families. The hearing examined three primary pieces of legislation: H.R. 472, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025; H.R. 1041, the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act; and H.R. 740, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025.

Chairman Bost expressed his commitment to addressing significant problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). "That is what each of these bills would do–fix a significant problem," he stated. He emphasized that despite differing opinions from some committee members, action must be taken to support veterans effectively.

The Restore VA Accountability Act aims to enforce accountability among VA employees, protecting veteran care and taxpayer investments. Bost criticized the Biden-Harris administration for allegedly shielding employees accused of misconduct. He stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for failing veterans.

H.R. 1041 seeks to prevent the VA from reporting veterans' names to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System without due process unless a judge deems them dangerous. Bost argued that appointing a fiduciary should not automatically result in losing Second Amendment rights.

The Veterans’ ACCESS Act intends to enhance healthcare access for veterans by allowing them more control over their healthcare decisions and ensuring access to community care as part of VA services. "This bill ensures that we uphold the promise...to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve," said Bost.

Additional discussions included a draft related to information transmission between the VA and the Department of Justice concerning Second Amendment issues, as well as Ms. Ramirez's Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025.

Bost concluded by expressing gratitude towards organizations supporting his legislation and anticipation for productive discussions on these initiatives aimed at improving services for veterans.