In a rare show of total unity, the House of Representatives came together on Thursday to pass a bill aimed at supporting families of fallen U.S. service members. The ‘Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act’ (H.R. 1228) was approved with a unanimous 424-0 vote—sending a clear, bipartisan message: veterans’ families matter.
The bill brings back the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its original role within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This office is now set to resume its duties as the lead advisor on policies affecting families of veterans who have passed away—undoing a 2021 decision that had reduced its influence.
Sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), the legislation updates the U.S. Code to make sure the office operates directly under the VA Secretary. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
VA Secretary Doug Collins, a former congressman, voiced his full support for the move. He also spoke positively about Elon Musk’s broader efforts to streamline government operations and improve efficiency at the VA.
“I’m focused on doing what’s best for our employees and for our veterans,” Collins told NewsNation. “Their voices are helping us build a stronger, more responsive VA.”
Addressing public concerns about possible cuts to veterans’ care, Collins reassured that veteran services remain a top priority. He dismissed rumors of any rollback in benefits or healthcare, saying the department is not only maintaining but strengthening its services. With 300,000 key roles retained, the VA remains committed to providing the support veterans deserve.
Additionally, the House also passed the ‘Take It Down Act’, aimed at cracking down on the sharing of AI-generated explicit images—particularly deepfakes involving real people without their consent. That bill passed with overwhelming support (409-2) and now heads to President Trump, who has previously voiced support for signing it into law.
Together, these legislative actions mark a strong commitment to protecting both the dignity of veterans’ families and the privacy of everyday Americans in the digital age.