Washington, D.C. (CHAMBANA TODAY) – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s Improving Veterans’ Experience Act, a major legislative win that seeks to make the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) a permanent fixture within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The measure was included in S. 423, the PRO Veterans Act of 2025, which now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.

First established in 2015, the VEO gathers direct feedback from veterans, their families, and caregivers to improve the delivery of VA services. Since its creation, VEO has played a pivotal role in boosting veteran trust, simplifying access to VA resources, and modernizing communication through tools like the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App.

“It’s critical that the veteran experience remains at the heart of VA’s operations,” said Rep. Budzinski (D-IL 13). “This office has already helped streamline the VA’s customer service, boost trust, and enhance outreach. I’m proud to see our bill pass the House and move one step closer to becoming law.”

The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Julia Brownley (D-CA 26) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY 03), aims to formally codify the VEO, ensuring it has the resources and support needed to continue its impact long-term.

The VEO’s initiatives have included launching the first VA-wide customer experience survey in 2016 and establishing more accessible service portals, such as the unified phone line 1-800-MyVA411 and a simplified website at VA.gov. The office has also been instrumental in delivering timely information about eligibility changes and benefits access.

According to the VA, overall veteran trust in the department has increased by 25% since the implementation of the VEO’s feedback-driven changes, reaching a record high in 2024.

Budzinski, who serves as the Ranking Member on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Technology Modernization Subcommittee, continues to prioritize improving the digital and personal service experiences of America’s veterans.

With the Senate having passed the bill unanimously in April, the legislation awaits President Trump’s signature to become law.