H.R.1039 — Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act
House Roll Call
H.R.1039
| Bill | H.R.1039 — Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended |
| Vote type | 2/3 Yea-And-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 412 / Nay 0 / Present 0 / Not Voting 21 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 205 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| D | 207 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 1039 - Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act
The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act (HR 1039) aims to enhance the clarity and accessibility of information provided to veterans regarding their claims for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill mandates that the VA develop and implement guidelines to ensure that all communications, including forms and informational materials, are written in plain language that is easily understandable by veterans.
Key Provisions:
- The VA is required to create a standardized approach to communication that prioritizes clarity, ensuring that veterans can easily comprehend the information necessary for filing claims and understanding their benefits.
- The bill emphasizes the importance of using plain language in all written materials, including notices, letters, and forms related to benefits and services.
Funding and Authorities: The bill does not specify a dedicated funding source but directs the VA to allocate existing resources toward the development and implementation of the communication guidelines. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with overseeing the execution of these provisions.
Programs and Agencies Affected: The primary agency impacted by this legislation is the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly its Veterans Benefits Administration, which manages the claims process and communications with veterans.
Beneficiaries and Regulations: Veterans filing claims for benefits will directly benefit from the enhanced clarity of communications, which is intended to reduce confusion and improve the efficiency of the claims process. The bill also indirectly benefits VA staff by providing clearer guidelines for communication.
Key Timelines:
- The bill was introduced in the House and has since been received in the Senate, where it has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for further consideration. No specific timeline for further action has been established as of the latest update.
Overall, HR 1039 seeks to improve the experience of veterans navigating the claims process by ensuring that they receive clear and comprehensible information from the VA.
Yea (412)
A
André Carson
B
Brad Finstad
B
Brandon Gill
M
Mark Green
A
Abraham Hamadeh
M
Mark Harris
B
Brian Jack
B
Brad Knott
A
April McClain Delaney
A
Addison McDowell
E
Emilia Sykes
D
David Taylor
