Bill > HR6033

This bill, known as the STRIVE Act of 2025, directs the Comptroller General and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to investigate and report on racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in veterans' disability benefits. The bill highlights findings from Department of Defense and Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports showing significant inequities, such as Black veterans being less likely to be approved for benefits and facing higher rates of administrative actions and disciplinary proceedings. Within 180 days, the Comptroller General must submit a comprehensive report analyzing discharge characterizations, benefit applications, and denials across different racial, ethnic, and gender groups over the past 15 years. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must then produce an initial report within 365 days that identifies the causes of these disparities, develops a three-year plan to address them, and commits to publicly sharing annual updates on implementation. The bill aims to improve transparency, identify systemic barriers, and ensure more equitable access to veterans' benefits by requiring detailed data collection and analysis. Key terms like "appropriate board" are defined to include military records correction boards, and the bill emphasizes the heroic sacrifices of all service members while seeking to address discriminatory patterns in benefits administration.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6033/all-info