H.R.2278 - Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2278, the Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025, aims to improve equitable access to benefits for survivors of veterans and enhance outreach services to uniformed service members and their dependents. The bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collect demographic data on beneficiaries to identify underserved demographics and develop targeted outreach strategies. It also expands outreach services to include all uniformed service members and their dependents, not just veterans.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased awareness and utilization of VA benefits among underserved survivor populations. It will also require the VA to allocate resources for data collection, analysis, and outreach program development. The expansion of outreach services will ensure more uniformed service members and their families are aware of available benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to benefits for underserved survivor demographics through targeted outreach.
- Enhanced data collection to identify disparities in benefit access.
- Increased awareness of burial benefits for veterans and their families.
- Expanded outreach services to all uniformed service members and their dependents.
- Better resource allocation within the Office of Survivors Assistance.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden and costs associated with data collection and analysis.
- Possible delays in benefit delivery due to increased demand and administrative processes.
- Risk of privacy concerns related to the collection of demographic data, although the bill explicitly states that data submission is not required and will not affect claim evaluations.
- The effectiveness of outreach programs depends on proper implementation and resource allocation.
- Possible ineffectiveness if the outreach programs are not well-designed or targeted.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve the lives of veterans' survivors and uniformed service members. Congress has the power to legislate for the common defense and provide for veterans and their families. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights, as it focuses on improving access to existing benefits and conducting outreach.
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).