An Act To protect regular order for budgeting for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Summary
The Act, titled "Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act of 2025" and "Improving Veterans' Experience Act of 2025", aims to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budgeting and enhance veterans' experience. It mandates quarterly briefings on the VA budget and any shortfalls, limits incentives for Senior Executive Service employees at the VA Central Office, and establishes a Veterans Experience Office. The Act also requires reports to Congress on customer service and veteran feedback.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased oversight of the VA budget and potentially more efficient allocation of resources. The establishment of the Veterans Experience Office could improve the quality and accessibility of services for veterans. However, limitations on incentives for senior executives might affect employee morale and performance.
Potential Benefits
- Improved transparency and accountability in VA budgeting through quarterly briefings.
- Enhanced veteran experience through the establishment of a dedicated office.
- Data-driven improvements in veteran services based on feedback collection and analysis.
- Strategic guidance to Department entities for engaging with veterans.
- Increased oversight of incentive programs for senior VA employees.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies due to new reporting requirements.
- Possible negative impact on employee morale due to limitations on incentives.
- The sunset clause for the Veterans Experience Office could limit long-term benefits.
- Centralization of power within the Veterans Experience Office may stifle innovation in other departments.
- The act does not address the root causes of budget shortfalls.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble) by supporting veterans' services. Congress's power to legislate for the armed forces (Article I, Section 8) supports this Act. The establishment of the Veterans Experience Office and its reporting requirements fall under Congress's oversight authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).