U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) have introduced the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act, a legislative proposal aimed at ensuring veterans are fully informed about their rights within all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and programs.
Senator Blackburn said, “Navigating complex statutes, regulations, and internal policies can be confusing, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect or what questions to ask about the resources available to them. The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA health care, benefits, and services.”
Senator Sheehy stated, “As a combat veteran, I’m proud to help establish the Veterans’ Bill of Rights to deliver those who proudly served our country in uniform the information, support, and care they need to live a healthy, successful life. Veterans deserve to know exactly what benefits and services are available and how to access them when they return home, and this bill will empower veterans by increasing transparency, streamlining bureaucracy, and holding the VA accountable to its core mission of serving veterans.”
Senator Tillis added, “Veterans shouldn’t have to wade through red tape just to understand the rights they’ve already earned through their service. The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act makes those rights clear and consistent across the VA, so veterans know what to expect and can focus on getting the care and benefits they deserve.”
Senator Tuberville commented, “Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and I always hear from them about how tough it is to navigate bureaucratic VA processes. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to do everything I can to make it easier for our veterans. I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are fully aware of the benefits and services available to them by law. I’ll continue fighting to create a more transparent VA process for our veterans and keep the VA focused on its core mission of serving America’s heroes.”
In the House of Representatives, companion legislation is being led by U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who said: “Our Veterans continue to sacrifice for our freedoms, and now it is our duty to remove the red-tape and provide them with the protections they need. For too long, veterans have faced delays when seeking care. I’m proud to champion this legislation with Senator Blackburn to put our veterans first, deliver timely, high-quality care they’ve earned, and hold the VA accountable to the men and women it serves.”
The act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make sure that information about existing rights—such as access eligibility for VA providers; respectful treatment; clear information on treatment options; eligibility explanations; privacy protections; complaint processes; written communication on claims; appeals access—is provided consistently across patient materials and employee training at all VA facilities.
The legislation has received endorsements from organizations including Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Veteran Action, and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). Jeremy Thompson from SOAA said: “Senator Blackburn’s Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2025 addresses a fundamental hurdle between our nation’s veterans and their access to care: Veterans cannot exercise their benefits if they are not informed of their rights. This legislation strengthens transparency and accountability across the VA, ensuring that Veterans are afforded the dignity and respect they have earned through their service.” Mark Lucas from Veteran Action stated: “Our veterans fulfilled their duty to America. Now America must fulfill its duty to them. Senator Blackburn is a true champion for America’s veterans. The Veterans’ Bill of Rights ensures that every veteran receives the respect, dignity, and care they have earned.” John Vick from CVA noted: “Veterans have served our nation, and they deserve the same timely access to health care, mental health support, housing, education, and job opportunities as any other American. The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act ensures these essential services are delivered transparently, efficiently, and without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. By codifying these rights and modernizing VA services we empower veterans to continue serving their communities long after their military service ends. CVA strongly supports this legislation.”
Senator Blackburn represents Tennessee in Congress where she focuses on issues including support for limited government policies as well as advocacy for veteransand social issues. She serves on committees related to finance as well as veterans’ affairs.
