Committee advances bill to create Office of Veteran Advocates and Ombudsman after mixed testimony

The Senate Military and Veteran Affairs Committee voted to release S3504, which would establish an Office of Veteran Advocates and Ombudsman within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and appropriate funds.

Witnesses from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars expressed support. John Eacker, senior vice commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the office would provide an independent advocate with powers to conduct investigations and ensure subpoenas, and described a “24 toll free telephone hotline” to receive and respond to calls from the public.

Representatives of the Vietnam Veterans of America and other commenters said the bill is a step forward but urged stronger language and oversight. They asked that the office have clearer enforcement authority—some suggested the stronger title of inspector general—and requested fiscal clarity because the Office of Legislative Services fiscal note had not been provided in testimony. The VVA also asked that the committee coordinate this office’s duties with a pending consent decree and planned state hires required by agreements with the Department of Justice to avoid duplication or conflict.

Committee members noted proposed committee amendments that add a definition of veteran, clarify coverage regardless of residence in a veterans facility, specify that veterans facilities include Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South, state that collective bargaining agreements will govern investigatory processes involving union employees, and require the veteran advocate to meet periodically with veteran advocacy groups.

The committee moved to release S3504 as amended and the motion passed. Testimony in the record requests further amendment and fiscal detail before the bill moves to its next procedural reference.