S.423 - An Act To protect regular order for budgeting for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.423, the "Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act of 2025" and the "Improving Veterans' Experience Act of 2025," aims to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budgeting and services. It mandates quarterly briefings on VA budget shortfalls to Congress and limits incentives for Senior Executive Service employees at the VA Central Office. The Act also establishes a Veterans Experience Office to enhance veteran satisfaction and service usage.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase congressional oversight of the VA budget and potentially improve the efficiency of resource allocation. The establishment of the Veterans Experience Office could lead to better understanding and addressing of veteran needs. However, limitations on incentives for senior executives might affect employee morale and performance.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced congressional oversight of the VA budget, ensuring better financial management.
- Improved understanding of veteran needs through the Veterans Experience Office.
- Better coordination of customer experience initiatives within the VA.
- Data-driven policymaking based on veteran feedback.
- Increased accountability through regular reports to Congress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for decreased employee morale due to limitations on incentives for senior executives.
- Possible bureaucratic hurdles in establishing and operating the Veterans Experience Office.
- Sunset clause for the Veterans Experience Office, limiting its long-term impact.
- Reporting requirements could add administrative burden to the VA.
- The effectiveness of the Act depends on the actual implementation and follow-through by the VA and Congress.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the constitutional mandate to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as it seeks to improve services for veterans. Congress's power to legislate for the armed forces and provide for veterans is derived from Article I, Section 8. The establishment of the Veterans Experience Office and the reporting requirements fall under Congress's authority to oversee the executive branch.
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).