House Passes "Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act" 424-0 in Unanimous Vote — Sparks Fly in D.C.!
In a rare and emphatic moment of unity, the House voted unanimously on Wednesday to restore an essential office that advocates for the families of American veterans.
The “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” formally known as H.R. 1228, passed with a sweeping 424-0 vote, showcasing a bipartisan commitment to reinstating the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) directly under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The move ensures that the OSA will reclaim its role as the principal advisor for policies affecting military families and surviving loved ones of service members. Reports indicate the bill effectively reverses a controversial 2021 restructuring that had weakened support for veteran survivors.
The legislation, which aims "to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs," amends Title 38 of the United States Code and was spearheaded by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), according to GovTrack. The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.
Former Georgia Senator and VA Secretary Doug Collins has voiced his backing for this reform, as well as broader efforts led by Elon Musk under the Department of Government Efficiency initiative to streamline federal agencies.
“I’m going to make decisions best for my employees and best for the veterans. They’re giving us good advice, looking with fresh eyes,” Collins told NewsNation. He stressed the importance of ensuring veterans receive the highest level of care and services.
In a recent video address, Collins responded to persistent “rumors” regarding potential changes to veterans' benefits and health care under the Trump administration.
“We’re putting Veterans number one back at the VA,” Collins emphasized, acknowledging that although reform often stirs uncertainty, the end goal remains prioritizing veterans’ well-being.
He firmly dismissed allegations that VA health care quality was declining. “They’re not,” he said, underscoring that rather than slashing benefits, the VA had preserved roughly 300,000 mission-critical jobs to maintain robust service. He also revealed that about $98 million had been reallocated toward veterans' programs, rather than being cut.
Addressing concerns over alleged firings within the Veterans Crisis Line, Collins, who also serves as a colonel and Air Force Reserve chaplain, reassured the public: “We did not lay off any Veteran Crisis Line responders.”
Collins urged veterans to seek information directly from the VA instead of relying on politically charged misinformation, cautioning, “When you want the truth, come to me, not the Whopper line up on Capitol Hill.”
However, Stars & Stripes reported that Collins had circulated “an email sent to employees Friday evening,” informing them of an upcoming voluntary separation program — offering "deferred resignation or retirement" options ahead of a scheduled reduction in workforce later in the fiscal year.
Those who accept the offer will continue receiving full salaries and benefits until September 30, the end of the fiscal year, according to the report.