Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost have introduced a new effort to ensure that veterans' surviving spouses and families receive the benefits they have been promised, even after their loved ones pass away. The legislation, titled the Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act (H.R. 7100), aims to address a recent move by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that has prevented the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) from having direct access to the VA Secretary.

According to Congressman Ciscomani, the move of the OSA from under the Office of the VA Secretary to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has created difficulties in fixing policy and program-wide problems. By moving the OSA back within the Office of the VA Secretary, the Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act seeks to prioritize the needs of veterans' surviving families within the VA.

Ciscomani emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans' surviving families, stating, "Our veterans' surviving families deserve to have their needs prioritized within the VA, especially when it comes to accessing the benefits they are owed. The Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act gives these families a voice when it comes to the policies and programs that affect them."

Chairman Bost echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the debt owed to the survivors of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation. He expresses his pride in Rep. Ciscomani's bill and highlights the significance of moving the VA Office of Survivors Assistance back to the Office of the VA Secretary. Bost states, "There is no group of people more deserving of a seat at the table, and this bill will guarantee that survivors get that, by ensuring VA prioritizes services for veterans' surviving spouses and family members."

The move of the OSA directly under the Secretary's office is also welcomed by Jane Strain, an Army veteran and member of Ciscomani's Veteran Advisory Council. As a surviving spouse herself, Strain emphasizes the compelling and growing needs of the surviving spouse population. She explains that these individuals should not be pushed to the back of the office and highlights the various areas in which attention is required, including finance and housing concerns. Strain adds, "Placing the OSA directly under the Secretary will help to recognize the importance of this population."

The Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act aims to ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans' surviving families are acknowledged and that their needs are given the attention they deserve. By moving the OSA back within the Office of the VA Secretary, this legislation takes a step towards fulfilling the solemn responsibility of caring for service members, veterans, and their families.