Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025.

Sec. 2. Establishment of new advisory committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new sections (and amending the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter accordingly):

549. Veterans Health Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment

There is in the Department an advisory committee to be known as the Veterans Health Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Committee).

(b) Membership; terms; chair

(1)

The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Committee, including the following:

(A)

A veteran who uses prosthetic or rehabilitative health care services of the Department.

(B)

An individual with expertise in prosthetics or rehabilitative health care for disabled veterans.

(C)

An individual with expertise in geriatrics or gerontology, including long-term care for veterans.

(D)

An individual with expertise in environmental health or toxic exposures described in subchapter VII of chapter 11 of this title.

(E)

An individual with expertise in mental health or readjustment counseling for veterans.

(F)

A representative of a veterans service organization, recognized under section 5902 of this title, that represents disabled or aging veterans.

(G)

Other individuals the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure various perspectives on veterans’ needs for health care, across regions and populations.

(2)

Members of the Committee shall be appointed for staggered terms of two years and may be reappointed.

(3)

The Secretary shall designate one member of the Commission to serve as Chair.

(c) Functions

The functions of the Committee are the following:

(1)

To advise the Under Secretary for Health regarding policies and programs of the Department related to health care for veterans with specialized health care needs, including prosthetics and other special disabilities programs, rehabilitative services, and long-term care for elderly veterans.

(2)

To assess the efficacy of, and recommend improvements to, health care furnished by the Secretary relating to a new veteran’s readjustment to civilian life, including mental health counseling and outreach programs.

(3)

To evaluate the programs of the Department that relate to health conditions related to environmental or toxic exposures, and to advise on emerging health hazards and appropriate responses.

(4)

To review the coordination of prosthetic and rehabilitative research and development initiatives within the Department and with external partners, and to recommend ways to enhance innovation and information exchange.

(5)

To identify gaps in health care furnished by the Secretary for a disabled, ill, or aging veteran, and propose strategies to improve the quality, accessibility, and equity of such health care.

(d) Reports

(1)

Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Under Secretary for Health a report summarizing its activities, findings, and recommendations under subsection (c). Each such report shall include the following:

(A)

An review and assessment of the hospital care and medical services furnished by the Secretary, including such care and services for veterans with disabilities, geriatric and aging veterans, and veterans exposed to environmental hazards.

(B)

Recommendations for administrative or legislative action that the Committee determines appropriate.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after receiving each report under this subsection, the Under Secretary for Health shall submit the report, together with the Under Secretary’s comments and recommendations, to the Secretary. The Secretary shall submit all such documents to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.

(e) Administrative matters

(1)

The Secretary shall provide such staff, information, and administrative services as necessary for the Committee to carry out its functions.

(2)

Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, when engaged in the performance of Committee duties, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5.

(3)

The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or the Under Secretary for Health, but not less frequently than quarterly each fiscal year.

(f) Termination

Unless renewed pursuant to section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Committee shall terminate not later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary may terminate the Committee at any time before such date.

550. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Advisory Committee

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Department an advisory committee to be known as the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Committee).

(b) Membership; terms; chair

(1)

The Secretary shall appoint members of the Committee, including the following:

(A)

An individual with expertise in educational benefits and programs under this title.

(B)

A representative of an institution of higher education or training program that serves veterans.

(C)

An individual with expertise in employment and job training programs for veterans.

(D)

An individual with experience in hiring or training veterans.

(E)

A veteran who separated from active military, naval, air, or space service less than 10 years before being appointed under this subsection.

(F)

An individual who was a homeless veteran or an advocate for veterans’ homelessness prevention and recovery programs.

(G)

Other individuals the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2)

The term of a member appointed under paragraph (1) shall be two years, staggered to ensure continuity. A member may be reappointed.

(3)

The Secretary shall designate one member of the Committee to serve as Chair.

(c) Functions

The functions of the Committee are the following:

(1)

To advise the Under Secretary for Benefits regarding the effectiveness of the educational benefits, vocational rehabilitation, employment assistance, and transition services furnished by the Secretary in enabling veterans to successfully readjust to civilian life and achieve economic stability.

(2)

To assemble and review information on the needs of veterans in readjusting to civilian employment, higher education, and job training. Such information shall include identified barriers that veterans (including women, minority, and economically disadvantaged veterans) face in such readjustment.

(3)

To assess the effectiveness of the educational benefits, vocational training, job placement, and entrepreneurship training furnished by the Secretary in improving economic opportunities for veterans.

(4)

To advise the Under Secretary regarding means to improve interagency coordination and partnership between the Department and other Federal, State, and local entities to promote employment, skills training, and financial stability for veterans.

(5)

To identify and recommend strategies (including early intervention, supportive services, and employer outreach) to assist veterans at risk of homelessness or unemployment.

(d) Reports

(1)

Not later than March 31 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Under Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that relate to the issues of transition, education, employment, and economic opportunity for veterans. Each such report shall include the following, with regards to such issues:

(A)

An assessment of the unmet needs of veterans.

(B)

A review and evaluation of programs of the Department designed to meet such needs.

(C)

A summary of the activities of the Committee during the preceding year.

(D)

Recommendations for administrative or legislative action that the Committee determines appropriate.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after receiving each report under this subsection, the Under Secretary shall submit the report, together with the Under Secretary’s comments and recommendations, to the Secretary. The Secretary shall submit all such documents to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives,

(e) Administrative matters

(1)

The Secretary shall provide such staff support, information, and administrative services as necessary for the Committee to carry out its responsibilities.

(2)

Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.

(3)

The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or the Under Secretary for Benefits, but not less frequently than twice each year.

(f) Termination

Unless renewed pursuant to section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Committee shall terminate not later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary may terminate the Committee at any time before such date.

551. Advisory Committee on Veterans Special Populations

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Department an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Veterans Special Populations (in this section referred to as the Committee).

(b) Membership; terms; Chair

(1)

The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary for their expertise regarding the needs of historically underserved veteran communities. Members shall include the following:

(A)

Not fewer than two women veterans, representing different service eras.

(B)

Not fewer than two veterans from, and with experience advocating for veterans from, the outlying areas of the United States or the Freely Associated States (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau).

(C)

Individuals who are recognized authorities on issues affecting minority veteran populations, including—

(i)

at least one individual with expertise in health care or benefits for women veterans; and

(ii)

at least one individual with expertise in issues regarding veterans in tribal or insular area communities.

(D)

Such other members the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2)

The term of a member appointed under paragraph (1) shall be two years, staggered to ensure continuity. A member may be reappointed.

(3)

In addition to members appointed under paragraph (1), the Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the following officials (or their designees):

(A)

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Relations.

(B)

The Director of the Center for Women Veterans of the Department.

(C)

The Director of the Center for Minority Veterans of the Department.

(4)

The Secretary shall designate one member of the Committee to serve as the Chair.

(c) Functions

The functions of the Committee include the following:

(1)

To advise the Secretary on the administration of benefits and services for veterans who are members of populations that have been historically underserved, under-represented, or faced unique barriers to access.

(2)

To assess the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, mental health, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Secretary.

(3)

To evaluate the extent to which programs of the Department meeting needs described in paragraph (2).

(4)

To review and make recommendations regarding reports, studies, and program data pertaining to the experience of such veterans, including trends in health outcomes, benefit usage rates, and disparities in access or quality of services.

(5)

To examine and make recommendations to outreach activities of the Department and strategies for engaging with veterans in such communities.

(6)

To advise on the effectiveness of offices and programs of the Department that are specifically charged with assisting such veterans (including the Center for Women Veterans, the Center for Minority Veterans, and the Office of Tribal Government Relations).

(d) Reports

(1)

Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department during the preceding year. Each such report shall include the following:

(A)

An assessment of the needs of such veterans for benefits and services furnished by the Secretary.

(B)

A review and evaluation of the programs, activities, and research initiatives of the Department designed to meet such needs.

(C)

Recommendations for administrative or legislative action that the Committee determines appropriate.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after receiving each report under this subsection, the Under Secretary for Health shall submit the report, together with the Under Secretary’s comments and recommendations, to the Secretary. The Secretary shall submit all such documents to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.

(e) Administrative matters

(1)

The Secretary shall provide such staff, data, and administrative support to the Committee as necessary for the Committee to carry out its duties.

(2)

Members of the Committee shall serve without pay, but shall receive travel expenses and per diem for any travel performed in the course of service on the Committee, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.

(3)

The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or the Secretary, but not less frequently than twice per year. Meetings may be conducted in person or through electronic means, as the Secretary deems appropriate.

(f) Termination

Unless renewed pursuant to section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Committee shall terminate not later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary may terminate the Committee at any time before such date.

552. Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War, Compensation, and Memorial Affairs

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Department of Veterans Affairs an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War, Compensation, and Memorial Affairs (in this section referred to as the Committee).

(b) Membership; terms; Chair

(1)

Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary and shall include the following:

(A)

A veteran who is a former prisoner of war, or a family member or advocates for former prisoners of war (hereinafter, POWs), to provide insight into the experiences and needs of such veterans.

(B)

Individuals who are recognized authorities in fields relevant to disabilities prevalent among former POWs, such as epidemiology, mental health, nutrition, geriatrics, or internal medicine.

(C)

Representatives of veterans with service-connected disabilities and experts in veterans disability compensation policy.

(D)

Individuals with expertise in memorial affairs, funeral services, or military or veteran burials.

(E)

Such other individuals the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure a comprehensive representation of perspectives on compensation, POW issues, and memorial matters.

(2)

The term of a member appointed under paragraph (1) shall be two years, staggered to ensure continuity. A member may be reappointed.

(3)

The Secretary shall designate one member of the Committee to serve as the Chair.

(c) Functions

The functions of the Committee are the following:

(1)

To advise the Secretary on the administration and adequacy of benefits for disabled veterans, including compensation and the schedule for rating disabilities.

(2)

To assess the needs of veterans who are former POWs (including disability compensation, health care, and rehabilitation) and to evaluate the programs and policies of the Department meant to address such needs (including presumptions of service connection for former POWs, the provision of specialized health care (including mental health care) to such veterans, and outreach efforts to ensure former POWs are aware of and receiving benefits).

(3)

To advise the Secretary on the administration of burial benefits and memorial programs for veterans and their eligible family members, including policies on burial allowances, headstones or markers, and the operation of national cemeteries.

(4)

The review and make recommendations regarding the services and plans of the National Cemetery Administration to address the needs of veterans and survivors.

(5)

To assess and make recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the programs of the Department that commemorate and honor the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families, (including the maintenance of cemeteries, availability of gravesites, and memorial tributes for under-recognized groups of veterans).

(6)

To identify and make recommendations regarding legislative or administrative barriers that hinder the ability of the Secretary to promptly and fairly compensate veterans for service-connected disabilities or to provide appropriate memorial benefits.

(d) Reports

(1)

Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department during the preceding year. Each such report shall include the following:

(A)

An assessment of the needs of veterans and their survivors for disability compensation, including an evaluation of whether the current compensation structure (such as the rating schedule and ancillary benefits) adequately compensates veterans for the loss of earning capacity and quality of life.

(B)

An assessment of the specific needs of former POWs for compensation, health care, and rehabilitation.

(C)

An assessment of needs related to burial and memorial services for veterans and their families.

(D)

An assessment review of the programs and policies of the Department that address issues related to functions described in subsection (c).

(E)

Recommendations for administrative or legislative action that the Committee determines appropriate.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after receiving each report under this subsection, the Under Secretary for Health shall submit the report, together with the Under Secretary’s comments and recommendations, to the Secretary. The Secretary shall submit all such documents to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.

(e) Administrative matters

(1)

The Secretary shall provide such staff, data, and administrative support to the Committee as necessary for the Committee to carry out its duties.

(2)

Members of the Committee shall serve without pay, but shall receive travel expenses and per diem for any travel performed in the course of service on the Committee, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.

(3)

The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or the Secretary, but not less frequently than twice per year. Meetings may be conducted in person or through electronic means, as the Secretary deems appropriate.

(f) Termination

Unless renewed pursuant to section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Committee shall terminate not later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary may terminate the Committee at any time before such date.

Sec. 3. Termination dates of certain advisory committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Sec. 4. Repeal of defunct advisory committees