H.R. 7342House118th Congress (2023-2025)Passed House

Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024

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Updated January 20, 2026 at 2:42 PM UTC

The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024 creates a new Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access within the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve accessibility for veterans and others with disabilities. It defines the committee’s composition, duties, reporting schedule, and a ten‑year lifespan. The bill also requires the VA to eliminate any inactive advisory committees and updates a housing loan fee date.

Key Provisions

Establishes the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access within the VA, to be set up within 180 days of enactment.
Specifies a 15‑member voting roster (veterans with disabilities, experts, VA employees, and representatives from veterans service organizations) plus four ex‑officio members from senior VA officials and the Access Board.
Sets two‑year terms for members, with possible reappointment, and requires meetings at least twice a year.
Mandates the committee advise the Secretary on improving accessibility of VA information, services, facilities, and procurement, and to ensure compliance with disability laws such as the ADA and Rehabilitation Act.
Requires the committee to submit a detailed report on accessibility barriers and recommendations every two years, with copies sent to relevant congressional committees and posted publicly.
Provides for the committee’s termination ten years after the act’s enactment.
Orders the VA to abolish any inactive advisory committee not established by Congress, or consolidate them, before forming the new committee.
Amends the VA housing loan fee table by changing the date “November 15, 2031” to “November 29, 2031.”

Legislative Activity

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16 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate.

September 18, 2024

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 13, 2024

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

February 13, 2024

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

March 19, 2024

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee Hearings Held

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

March 21, 2024

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

April 17, 2024

HouseCommittee

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

April 17, 2024

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 1, 2024

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 1, 2024

HouseCommittee

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 118-676.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

September 16, 2024

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 572.

September 16, 2024

HouseFloor

Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

September 17, 2024 • 5:33 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5278-5280)

September 17, 2024 • 5:33 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7342.

September 17, 2024 • 5:33 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5278-5279)

September 17, 2024 • 5:40 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5278-5279)

September 17, 2024 • 5:40 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

September 17, 2024 • 5:40 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate.

September 18, 2024

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about H.R. 7342 on the floor

2 Republicans1 Democrat

Rep. Mike BostR-IL-12 · Sep 17, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7342) to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes as amended. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous…

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7342) to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 7342, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7342, offered by my friend and colleague, Congressman David Valadao of California.

This bill would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access. The committee would advise the VA Secretary on how to improve access to VA services, programs, and facilities for veterans living with disabilities to enhance their experience at VA.

The committee would rightfully bring together veterans with disabilities, subject matter experts, VA employees, and representatives of veterans service organizations to get to the heart of the matter.

Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that this is long overdue.

Americans with disabilities are entitled to equal access to healthcare and benefits nationwide, and that includes at VA. Congress made that very clear through the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws, but veterans with disabilities are still being shortchanged far too often.

We know these accessible gaps still exist because of the work of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Blinded

Veterans Association, other VSOs and advocacy groups, and the work of this committee.

I thank them for their collaboration with Congress on this legislation. Their only focus is to eliminate barriers and achieve universal access and equality for veterans living with disabilities. This is an important goal, and I believe the advisory committee is well justified.

I also share many of my colleagues' concerns about the growth of advisory committees in the Federal Government. There are simply too many. That is why this legislation would direct VA to eliminate or consolidate an inactive advisory committee.

This bill is a reasonable step forward to use VA resources wisely and ultimately improve access for veterans living with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7342, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao), who has sponsored the bill.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation to improve access to VA services for veterans with disabilities, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Mark TakanoD-CA-39 · Sep 17, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7342, as amended, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024. This bill establishes…

Rep. David G. ValadaoR-CA-22 · Sep 17, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and I thank him and his committee for all their help on getting this bill here. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the…

Bill Text

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Received in SenateIssued September 18, 2024

118th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 7342

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 18, 2024

Received

AN ACT

To establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024.

Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access

(a)

Establishment

(1)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs an advisory committee on matters relating to accessibility of the Department for individuals with disabilities.

(2)

Designation

The advisory committee established by paragraph (1) shall be known as the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access (in this section the Advisory Committee).

(b)

Membership

(1)

Voting members

The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 15 voting members, appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In appointing such members, the Secretary shall ensure the following:

(A)

Four are veterans with disabilities, including mobility impairment, hearing, visual, and mental or cognitive disabilities.

(B)

Four are experts on issues described in subsection (f)(1)(A) or the provisions of law set forth under subsection (f)(1)(B).

(C)

Two are employees of the Department, one from the Section 508 Office and one from the Architectural Accessibility Program, who oversee the compliance of the Department with Federal accessibility laws.

(D)

Five are representatives nominated by national veterans service organizations that advocate for veterans with physical, sensory, mental, or cognitive disabilities.

(2)

Ex officio members

The Advisory Committee shall also include four ex officio members (or their designees):

(A)

The Under Secretary for Health.

(B)

The Under Secretary for Benefits.

(C)

The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs.

(D)

The chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (known as the Access Board).

(c)

Terms; vacancies

(1)

Terms

A member of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a term of two years. The Secretary may reappoint members to the Advisory Committee for such additional two-year terms as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2)

Vacancies

The Secretary shall fill a vacancy in the Advisory Committee in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 180 days after such vacancy occurs.

(d)

Meetings

(1)

Frequency

The Advisory Committee shall meet not less frequently than twice each year.

(2)

Subcommittees

The Advisory Committee may form subcommittees, which shall meet as often as required.

(3)

Quorum

A majority of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum.

(e)

Chairperson

Members of the Advisory Committee shall select a Chairperson from among the members of the Advisory Committee. If the position of Chairperson becomes vacant, the members of the Advisory Committee shall select a new Chairperson not later than 30 days after the date on which the position became vacant.

(f)

Duties

(1)

Requirement to consult and seek advice

On a regular basis, the Secretary shall consult with and seek the advice of the Advisory Committee—

(A)

on improving the accessibility of the Department for individuals with disabilities, including improving—

(i)

the accessibility of information of the Department, including electronic information;

(ii)

the accessibility of the services and benefits furnished by the Department;

(iii)

the accessibility of the facilities of the Department;

(iv)

the accessibility of facilities of health care providers furnishing care or services under the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code; and

(v)

the acquisition process of the Department to ensure that products and services, including information technology and information and communication technology (as defined in the standards issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board pursuant to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d)), are accessible when purchased; and

(B)

for ensuring the compliance of the Department with provisions of law relating to disability and accessibility, including—

(i)

the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12184 et seq.);

(ii)

sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791, 794, and 794d);

(iii)

the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note);

(iv)

the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 note);

(v)

the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (Public Law 90–480); and

(vi)

such other provisions of Federal law as may be that ensure equal access to Federal facilities, benefits, or services for individuals with disabilities.

(2)

Provision of advice

In providing advice to the Secretary, the Advisory Committee shall, focusing on the areas of greatest need for the Department—

(A)

assess the disability access needs of veterans, the public, and Department employees for full access to the Department’s information, services, and benefits by reviewing relevant information, such as filed complaints by people with disabilities or physical assessments of the Department’s facilities;

(B)

provide assessments of accessibility at the Department and the compliance of the Department with applicable provisions of law relating to disability and accessibility; and

(C)

provide advice on improving accessibility at the Department, including the accessibility of all—

(i)

communications, including internal and public facing;

(ii)

services and benefits; and

(iii)

facilities.

(3)

Reports

(A)

Reports to the Secretary

Not later than two years after the date of the first meeting of the Advisory Committee, and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report that, focusing on areas of greatest need for the Department—

(i)

identifies and assesses access barriers affecting veterans, the public, and employees of the Department;

(ii)

determines the extent to which the programs and activities of the Department address the barriers identified in clause (i), including compliance of the Department with provisions of law relating to accessibility law and reporting;

(iii)

provides recommendations and access priorities to improve the accessibility of the Department’s services, benefits, information, technology, and facilities;

(iv)

provides a description of access improvements and assesses the Department’s implementation of recommendations from previous reports of the Advisory Committee, including any unmet recommendations that remain necessary for improving accessibility for the Department; and

(v)

provides any recommendations for legislation, administrative action, or other actions that the Advisory Committee determines appropriate.

(B)

Reports to Congress and Federal agencies

(i)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of such report and any comments and recommendations of the Secretary concerning such report that the Secretary determines appropriate.

(ii)

Availability to the public

The Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Department such report and such comments and recommendations as may have been submitted along with such report.

(iii)

Appropriate congressional committees

In this subparagraph, the term appropriate congressional committees means—

(I)

the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives;

(II)

the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate; and

(III)

the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.

(g)

Advisory Committee personnel and resource matters

(1)

Compensation of members

A member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall not be compensated for the performance of the duties of the Advisory Committee.

(2)

Travel expenses

A member of the Advisory Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Advisory Committee.

(3)

Resources

The Secretary shall ensure that such personnel, funding, and other resources are made available to the Advisory Committee as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the duties of the Advisory Committee.

(4)

Information

The Secretary shall furnish to the Advisory Committee such information as the Advisory Committee may request from the Secretary, subject to applicable provisions of law.

(h)

Termination of Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Abolition of inactive advisory committee

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and before establishing the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access under section 2, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—

(1)

abolish an advisory committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs that—

(A)

was not established by an Act of Congress; and

(B)

is inactive;

(2)

consolidate two advisory committees described in paragraph (1); or

(3)

submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a recommendation to abolish an advisory committee of the Department that—

(A)

was established by an Act of Congress; and

(B)

is inactive.

Modification of certain housing loan fees

The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 15, 2031 each place it appears and inserting November 29, 2031.

Passed the House of Representatives September 17, 2024.

Kevin F. McCumber,

Clerk.