H.R.1288 - Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025; DRIVE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1288, the DRIVE Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans' health-related travel under the Department of Veterans Affairs' Beneficiary Travel program. The bill seeks to align the VA's mileage rate with the rate provided to government employees using privately owned vehicles for official business. It also mandates timely processing of travel allowance requests, ensuring payment within 90 days of submission.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would increase the financial support provided to veterans for travel to receive healthcare services. This could improve access to care, particularly for veterans in rural areas or with limited financial resources. It also aims to streamline the reimbursement process, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring veterans receive timely payments.
Potential Benefits
- Increased financial assistance for veterans' healthcare travel.
- Improved access to healthcare services, especially for veterans in rural areas.
- Timely processing of travel allowance requests, ensuring payments within 90 days.
- Reduced administrative burden for veterans seeking reimbursement.
- Alignment of VA mileage rates with those for government employees.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in administrative costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Possible strain on the VA budget due to increased reimbursement rates.
- Risk of fraudulent claims if oversight is insufficient.
- The bill does not address other barriers to healthcare access beyond travel costs.
- Potential for delays in implementation as the VA adjusts its systems.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the well-being of veterans by ensuring they have access to healthcare. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to the military and veterans' affairs. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).