Study on Disparities Associated with Race and Ethnicity with Respect to Certain Benefits Administered By the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1031, sponsored by Senator Raphael Warnock. I would also like to recognize Chairman Takano for leading this effort in the House.

As you all know, when the men and women of our military sign up to serve, we make a promise to care for them upon their separation, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, or gender.

The Veterans' Affairs Committee has heard concerns from veterans who say that they have been treated unfairly in the VA benefits system based on their minority status. However, we have no objective data to determine whether there is a bias against the minority groups in the VA through the claims process.

S. 1031 would help address this question by requiring a GAO study to determine whether any differences exist in the way the VA administrators compensate benefits based on the veteran's background. This report would provide Congress and VA with the information we need to determine what biases exist and, if so, how to address them.

I support S. 1031, and I hope that my colleagues will do the same.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source