Bill > S599

This bill, known as the "Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025" or the "DRIVE Act of 2025", aims to improve travel reimbursement for veterans using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Beneficiary Travel program. The bill mandates that the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans' health-related travel must be at least equal to the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees traveling on official business, which is determined by the Administrator of General Services. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to process and pay travel allowance requests within 90 days of proper submission, ensuring timely reimbursement for veterans. By removing the previous fixed mileage rate of 41.5 cents per mile and linking it to the government employee rate, the bill provides a more flexible and potentially more generous reimbursement system that can adjust with changing travel costs. This legislation seeks to reduce financial barriers that might prevent veterans from accessing necessary medical care by ensuring they are adequately compensated for travel expenses.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/599/all-info