A Unanimous Vote: Restoring the Office of Survivors Assistance
With a powerful 424-0 vote, the House approved the Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act (H.R. 1228), a bill that fully restores the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) within the VA. The legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), ensures that this office regains its original status as the central advocate for families of deceased service members.

The OSA was originally established to serve as an advisory body, helping guide policies affecting survivors of U.S. military veterans. However, following administrative restructuring in 2021, its influence was drastically reduced, leaving many families feeling abandoned in the bureaucratic maze of benefits, claims, and support services.

Lawmakers emphasized that this was not just about organizational charts—it was about values. “Supporting the families of those who have given everything for our country is not optional,” Ciscomani said. “It’s a sacred responsibility.”