WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – joined Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in introducing legislation to help make certain that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in full compliance with federal disability laws and provide guidance on ways to make VA programs and facilities more accessible for veterans with disabilities.

The Veterans Accessibility Act would establish a 15-person Advisory Committee on Equal Access, which would consist of veterans with disabilities, disability experts and representatives from advocacy organizations. The advisory committee would be responsible for evaluating and reporting on VA’s compliance with federal disability laws and issuing recommendations for how VA can improve accessibility across all VA facilities, programs and platforms.

“In Kansas, and particularly in rural areas, veterans with disabilities face challenges accessing the facilities and services provided by the VA,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would establish an advisory committee within the VA dedicated to increasing accessibility for veterans with disabilities by improving access to VA facilities, services and information and making certain the VA complies with federal accessibility laws.”

“It is unthinkable that federal programs intended to support our veterans would be inaccessible to so many who live with disabilities and rely on these essential services,” said Sen. Rick Scott. “Our veterans are American heroes who showed up to serve our nation, and they deserve a federal government who shows up for them and a VA that stands ready to support them. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this vital bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA is fully prepared to meet the needs of every veteran, who have made countless sacrifices to defend and protect the freedoms of our nation.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

“Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders regularly encounter physical access barriers as they navigate their communities and engage with needed health care and services,” said Heather Ansley, Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The Veterans Accessibility Act will help the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and address such access barriers in its facilities and online. We appreciate the reintroduction of this important legislation by Senators Scott, Gillibrand, Moran, and Blumenthal, and their commitment to access at VA for veterans with the greatest support needs.”

“BVA has long advocated for the creation of a Federal Advisory Committee to oversee and advise the Department of Veterans Affairs on accessibility laws for which the Department has been largely non-compliant over the years, causing blind and low vision veterans monetary harm and adding still another detriment to their care,” said Dr. Vernon Humphrey, Blinded Veterans Association. “Our Association commends Senator Scott for his leadership and perseverance to remedy this injustice by introducing and championing the Veterans Accessibility Act of 2025.”

“A large majority of the post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans that Wounded Warrior Project serves rely on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for both health care and disability benefits,” said Jose Ramos, Wounded Warrior Project. “These veterans interact with the system the most and have detailed and personal knowledge of accessibility challenges at VA facilities and online. The Veterans Accessibility Act of 2025 would provide veterans with a formal voice to help guide efforts to make receiving VA care and benefits as easy and accessible as possible.  We are grateful for Senator Rick Scott's leadership on this important legislation and look forward to working with Congress to get it passed.”

This legislation is also supported by Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Association of the Deaf, the National Disability Rights Network, United Spinal Association/Vets First and Vietnam Veterans of America.

# # #