January 08, 2025

Committee Democrats Look Back at Delivering for Veterans with the Biden-Harris Administration

Press Contact

Libby Carlson -- 771-216-2280

WASHINGTON, DC – As the 118th Congress ends and the Biden-Harris Administration winds down, Committee Democrats are taking the time to reflect on our achievements supporting veterans over the last four years. Despite Republican dysfunction, Committee Democrats have worked with the Administration to improve benefits and services for veterans across America. Democrats have remained steadfast in our commitment to veterans' welfare, focusing on properly funding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), protecting the Honoring our PACT Act, and reaching veterans in their communities.  

Over the last two years, House Republicans were distracted by internal conflicts and attempts to redirect federal funding. In contrast, House Democrats consistently advocated for comprehensive veteran support and expanding care and benefits. Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) emphasized, “Veterans want a VA that works for them- not special interests. Our goal should be a VA that provides quality care and benefits in a timely manner.”  

Along these lines, Committee Democrats were able to achieve agreement on the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that President Biden signed last week. While it was not perfect, it contained several Democratic priorities. Anchored by Representative Julia Brownley’s the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, the law will provide much-needed assistance for caregivers. The package also included bills from Representatives Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick and Nikema Williams that will provide more funding and support to homeless veterans and homelessness service providers. 

House Democrats worked closely with the Biden Administration over the last two years to implement Ranking Member Takano’s Honoring our PACT Act. This critical law recognizes the link between veterans' toxic exposures and various health conditions. Since President Biden signed the bill into law, unprecedented progress has been made:  

  • Over $6.8 billion in PACT Act benefits delivered to veterans  
  • Nearly 2 million PACT Act-related claims submitted  
  • Nearly 6 million veterans received new toxic exposure screenings  
  • Over 840,000 new veterans enrolled in VA healthcare  

This law expanded disability compensation for presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and burn pits, ensuring veterans receive the support they deserve. And the Biden Administration did not stop there. Just today, VA announced new illnesses that will be considered for presumptive conditions, including several types of cancer.  

While we were unable to pass much meaningful legislation, the last two years have seen the Administration implement the Veterans COMPACT Act, which included Ranking Member Takano’s Veterans ACCESS Act, in addition to the Honoring our PACT Act. The Veterans COMPACT Act has already helped over 100,000 veterans and represents a significant step in mental health support:  

  • Provides emergency stabilization care at no cost for veterans in acute suicidal crisis  
  • Covers up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care  
  • Offers up to 90 days of outpatient care  
  • Potential to help up to 9 million veterans not currently enrolled in VA healthcare  

Republicans had a particularly poor record on passing veterans legislation last Congress, passing only seven House bills into law compared to 60 in the 117th Congress, when Democrats were in control. Despite these paltry numbers, Democrats were able to pass several bills through the House.   

Democratic bills passed in the House in the 118 Congress (bold became law):   

  • H.R. 366 - Korean American VALOR Act (Rep. Takano) 
  • H.R. 1226 - Wounded Warrior Access Act (Rep. Aguilar)  
  • H.R. 4190 - Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act (Rep. Trone)  
  • H.R. 2911 - Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2024 (Rep. Strickland)  
  • H.R. 4016 - Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act (Rep. Connolly)  
  • H.R. 1767 - Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act (Rep. Ramirez)  
  • H.R. 3981 - Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act (Rep. McGarvey)  

Ranking Member Takano concluded, “Committee Democrats, along with House Democrats, will continue to support veterans by protecting VA from attempts to privatize care and roll back benefits. We have made tremendous strides in the last four years in getting more veterans into VA to receive high-quality care and benefits. We will fight any Trump Administration attempts to line the pockets of their donors at the expense of veterans and we will continue to work to improve benefits and services for this and future generations of veterans.”