Bill > HR5994

This bill aims to improve the collection, retention, and publication of demographic data about veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create and maintain a comprehensive database with detailed information about veteran populations. The bill mandates that the VA collect extensive demographic data including sex, gender identity, age, education level, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, household makeup, income, housing status, employment status, military service history, healthcare enrollment, disability ratings, and residence location. The collected data must be anonymized to protect personal information and be machine-readable. The VA is required to publish this data on a publicly accessible website, updating it at least annually. Additionally, the bill requires the VA Secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year describing the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the department's data strategy, including recommendations for improving data management, information sharing with other federal entities, and efforts to support evidence-based policymaking. The goal is to provide more comprehensive, current, and useful insights about veterans to help policymakers, veterans service organizations, and other stakeholders better understand and serve the veteran population.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5994/all-info