DRIVE Act of 2025
DRIVE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# DRIVE Act of 2025 Summary **What it does:** The DRIVE Act would increase the mileage reimbursement rate that veterans receive when they drive to VA medical facilities, vocational rehabilitation appointments, required counseling sessions, or medical exams. Currently, veterans are reimbursed at a lower rate than federal employees. This bill would make veteran reimbursement rates equal to what the government pays employees for using their personal vehicles. The bill also requires the VA to process and pay these reimbursement requests within 90 days. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be veterans who travel to VA facilities for medical care, job training, or counseling.
This includes veterans in rural areas who may drive longer distances. The bill also affects the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would need to adjust its reimbursement rates and payment processes. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 1288, 119th Congress) and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Julia Brownley, a Democrat from California.
CRS Official Summary
Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025 or the DRIVE Act of 2025This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available.The bill also requires the VA to ensure that an allowance based on mileage is paid not later than 90 days after the request is properly submitted to the VA.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.