Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3481) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for electronic communication relating to educational assistance benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary, 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 on H.R. 3481, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3481, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Tom Barrett from Michigan.

This bill would allow veterans to opt in to receive messages digitally regarding the GI Bill education benefit.

Under current law, veterans in education programs can only receive time-sensitive information from VA through the mail. The outdated practice forces veterans to wait weeks for information they could receive in minutes through a text message.

Further, this bill would modernize VA's Solid Start program by authorizing it to communicate with veterans via text message. Right now, VA is only able to reach out to veterans in Solid Start by calling them. While the older generation of veterans pick up the phone, the VA Solid Start program has seen a concerning drop-off among younger veterans. This bill would bridge the gap in communication.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Barrett for championing this bill and for finding solutions in the technology space to ensure student veterans and transitioning servicemembers are receiving up-to- date and timely information.

Madam Speaker, this bill is in lockstep with the Republican majority's efforts to properly propel VA to meet veterans where they are.

Madam Speaker, I also thank Representative Van Orden for his continued efforts to make necessary improvements to the Transition Assistance Program, or the TAP program.

Under my leadership, my committee will continue to honor its commitment to all veterans, ensuring the VA is working for our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I also give special thanks to The American Legion, the PVA, and the VFW for their support.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3481, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), who is the sponsor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3481, the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act.

This important legislation is a bipartisan effort to finally bring the VA into the 21st century by changing the way veterans are notified about their benefits.

Right now, under current statute, veterans across America are left digging through the mail, often intermixed with junk mail and other notices that they may receive, just to find important updates from the VA, which often leads to things getting lost and delays in their benefits.

In fact, it was not that long ago when I was in college and required to manually call in to a hotline for the VA every month to notify them that I was still a student enrolled in courses to receive my GI Bill benefits.

H.R. 3481 fixes these issues by authorizing the VA to send GI Bill and Solid Start updates to veterans digitally through their devices that so many of us carry around every single day.

This is an opt-in program that doesn't obligate any veteran to do this, but it is an easy and effective solution that will help veterans take advantage of the benefits they need when transitioning back into their communities after service.

As the chairman said, this is also supported by The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America because they understand the importance of what we are trying to do in this legislation.

By updating the way the VA communicates, we are guaranteeing veterans receive convenient and timely updates wherever they are, on their computer, phone, or tablet. Like so many students, they may live remotely from their home address, which would prevent them from receiving these updates.

It will also reduce postage costs, allowing the VA to spend money in ways that better serve our Nation's heroes. It is a win-win overall.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Mr. Van Orden and Mr. Tran, for their help in introducing this bill as we continue to work to improve the lives of veterans everywhere.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 3481, the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025, as amended.

Veterans should not have to fight to get information about their earned GI Bill benefits, and this legislation looks to ease access to information from the VA to veterans by allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to do outreach using digital messaging, such as text messages, direct messages, and virtual chat, in addition to direct mail.

VA is already doing much of this, but H.R. 3481, as amended, looks to codify these efforts into law to ensure they are available to veterans in the future.

H.R. 3481, as amended, also includes the text of H.R. 3386, the Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act. Then-Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Senator Hassan permanently authorized the Solid Start program, which has been a critical outreach to newly separated veterans. Solid Start allows VA to stay connected with veterans as they navigate their transition to civilian life.

H.R. 3481, as amended, expands VA Solid Start outreach efforts to include the same texts and digital options included in the underlying text.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House, and the Senate, as well, to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 3481, the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.