Wounded Warrior Access Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1226, as amended, the Wounded Warrior Access Act introduced by my good friend, neighbor, and chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Representative Pete Aguilar.

This bill would require VA to establish and maintain a secure internet-based portal to establish a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits.

Additionally, this bill contains a provision requiring VA to warn claimants about benefit scammers, provide a way to report potentially fraudulent activity, and provide a tool for claimants to search for accredited representation.

Currently, to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits, veterans or designated representatives must submit a Freedom of Information Act, otherwise known as a FOIA, or Privacy Act request.

Submitting this form, followed by waiting for it to upload into an individual's electronic claims file, and then awaiting action on the request can be time consuming and can negatively impact a claimant's ability to understand what records VA is evaluating and what information could better assist in a claim's positive adjudication.

Establishing and maintaining a secure, internet-based portal to enable a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits would modernize this essential process and assist in more timely, positive claim outcomes.

This bill would also add another tool in the toolbox for veterans when navigating the complexities of the claims process and will help veterans gain a little more autonomy over their claim.

It is my hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation.
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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I again ask all my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 1226, as amended, the Wounded Warrior Access Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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