Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7153) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a plan to modernize the information technology systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 7153, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7153, as amended, the Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act, introduced by Ranking Member Bost.

This bill provides clarification on the sense of Congress on the automation of benefits claims and requires the VA to submit to Congress a plan for modernization of the information technology systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

As the VA moves toward greater automation, we must ensure that the VA does automation the right way for all stakeholders, including both veterans and the workforce. It is also important for the VA to identify systems in need of modernization to support successful implementation of bills, such as the PACT Act, and important initiatives such as the Secretary's announcement of several new presumptions.

I will reinforce that. On the topic of automation, it is not the intent of Congress or the VA to use automation on claims to eliminate, reduce, or contract out the duties of the VBA workforce. We intend to conduct close oversight of the use of automation and potential expansion. This bill is part of those efforts.

When implemented in the right way, automation has the potential to reduce the day-to-day burden of employees by diminishing menial tasks and allowing the dedicated VA staff to focus on the kind of work that truly needs a human touch. Such an approach stands to benefit the ultimate consumer of the VA: our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to support it as well, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 7153, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7153, the Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act.

The VA is embracing automation more than ever before. The early results are promising. When used properly, automation can improve claims processing for veterans. However, I am concerned that the VA has already started multiple automation projects without a clear plan or measurable goals. There is no consistent guidance from the VA on when, why, or how automation should be used.

H.R. 7153 will establish the sense of Congress that the VA should increase automation in benefits processing, according to certain principles. Automation should increase the speed, accuracy, and consistency of claims processing. Automation should also enhance employee productivity. Automation should always protect veterans' privacy and preserve their rights to due process.

However, automation should not necessarily eliminate or reduce the VBA workforce. Employees should always make the final decision about approving claims and granting benefits. Let me be clear: The sense of Congress is that automation should enhance and support VBA employees, not replace them. I think these guiding principles will improve the claims process for veterans and beneficiaries.

Finally, my bill will require VA to submit a plan to Congress to modernize its benefits IT system over the next 5 years. This plan is crucial.

The expansion of benefits for toxic-exposed veterans will put an incredible strain on these IT systems. We need to be ready.

Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.