Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 3481
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-09-18: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-07-08T16:40:58Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation aims to modernize communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veterans regarding educational assistance benefits by expanding options beyond traditional mail and phone calls. It also extends certain limits on pension payments.

Key Provisions

Renames and expands the SOLID START program outreach to include "tailored lines of communication" such as text messaging, virtual chatting, and other electronic methods.
Requires the VA to create a system allowing eligible veterans and persons to opt into electronic correspondence for educational assistance benefits under title 38, with notice provided to those enrolled in education or training programs.
Extends the expiration date for certain pension payment limits from November 30, 2031, to January 31, 2033.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends section 6320(b) of title 38, United States Code, by replacing "calling" with broader "communicating with" language and adding electronic options.
Adds a new subsection (i) to section 3680, mandating an opt-in electronic communication mechanism for benefits-related correspondence.
Modifies section 5503(d)(7) to extend pension payment restrictions by over one year.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Requires the VA to develop and maintain new electronic systems for veteran correspondence, potentially increasing administrative costs and technology needs.
On citizens: Improves access for veterans by offering convenient digital options for benefit information, though participation is voluntary via opt-in.
No direct effects on international relations are specified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Veterans and eligible persons receiving educational assistance benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, responsible for implementation.
Educational institutions and training programs serving veterans.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill introduces no major constitutional issues, focusing on administrative updates to existing veterans' benefits laws. It emphasizes voluntary electronic options without altering core eligibility rules or creating new mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

Recent Actions

2025-09-18: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-09-17: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-09-17: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 09/15/2025 CR H4295)
2025-09-17: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 09/15/2025 CR H4295)
2025-09-17: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4393)
2025-09-15: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bost objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
2025-09-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3481.
2025-09-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4295)
2025-09-15: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-09-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 213.
2025-09-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-257.
2025-09-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-257.
2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-07-03: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Discharged

Bill Versions

Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (6 pages)
Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (2 pages)
Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (4 pages)
Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-09 — PDF (6 pages)