119 S831 IS: Representing VA with Accuracy Act U.S. Senate 2025-03-04 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II119th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 831IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 4, 2025Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Ms. Hirono) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve telephone communication by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Representing VA with Accuracy Act or the REP VA Act.

2.

Improvement of telephone communication by Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)

In general

Chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

6321.

Telephone communication

(a)

Calls associated with Department

Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall ensure that any call made to a veteran by an employee or contractor of the Department regarding services or benefits furnished by the Department—(1)is made from a single, well-known telephone number; and (2)uses caller identification branding that indicates to the veteran that the call is from or on behalf of the Department. (b)

Call centers for health care appointments and referrals

(1)

In general

Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall ensure that the Veterans Health Administration has at least one call center in each of the time zones specified in paragraph (2) to address concerns regarding appointments and referrals for health care under the laws administered by the Secretary.(2)

Time zones specified

The time zones specified in this paragraph are the following:(A)Eastern time. (B)Central time. (C)Mountain time. (D)Pacific time. (E)Alaska time. (F)Hawaii time. (3)

Clarification

The Secretary is not required to ensure that the Veterans Health Administration has a call center in any location generally within a time zone specified in paragraph (2) that does not follow daylight time.

.(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 6321. Telephone communication..