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 programs, or required counseling appointments. Currently, veterans are reimbursed at a set rate; this bill would raise that rate to match what the federal government pays its own employees for using personal vehicles. The bill also requires the VA to process and pay these mileage reimbursements within 90 days of receiving a request. **Who it affects:** Military veterans who use their personal vehicles to travel to VA facilities for medical care, job training, or counseling would benefit from higher reimbursement rates and faster payment processing.
The changes would apply across the entire Veterans Affairs system. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 599, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont).
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
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.