Washington, D.C.–  Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced the National Veterans’ Advocate Act. This legislation establishes an “Office of the National Veterans’ Advocate,” an independent body within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) charged with making quarterly reports to Congress containing policy recommendations about how to improve the VA. 

“There are few responsibilities we task our federal government with delivering more important than making sure our nation’s veterans are properly cared for – it can be a matter of life or death,” said Rep. Yakym. “Unfortunately, in a system as large and complex as the VA it can be difficult navigating all the bureaucratic layers, let alone find solutions to make sure the VA runs better to begin with. This often leaves veterans without timely access to the quality care they need and have earned.”

“By establishing an independent office within the VA devoted to coming up with ways to improve it, we can make the agency more efficient, prevent veterans’ healthcare crises before they emerge, and, ultimately, better serve the men and women who served our nation in uniform. I will always be a proud advocate for our veterans and fight for ways to solve problems at the VA.” 

Full text of Rep. Yakym’s legislation can be found here, and a one-page summary of the bill can be accessed here.