DRIVE Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2025
Bottom line
The DRIVE Act of 2025 aims to provide fairer and faster travel reimbursement for veterans accessing VA healthcare by linking mileage rates to federal standards and setting a payment deadline.
What it actually does
This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling for health-related appointments through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Beneficiary Travel program. It mandates that the VA's mileage rate must be equal to or greater than the rate set by the General Services Administration (GSA) for federal employees using private vehicles for official business. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to process and pay these travel allowances within 90 days of a properly submitted request.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that increasing the mileage rate to match the GSA standard will ensure veterans are fairly compensated for their travel expenses, reducing financial barriers to accessing essential healthcare, especially for those in rural areas or with chronic conditions. Proponents also contend that the 90-day payment mandate will alleviate financial strain on veterans by ensuring timely reimbursement, improving the overall efficiency and accountability of the VA's Beneficiary Travel program.
Opponents contend
Critics may raise concerns about the increased financial burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs, arguing that tying the mileage rate to the GSA standard could lead to unpredictable budget increases. Opponents might also suggest that the 90-day payment deadline, while well-intentioned, could create administrative challenges for the VA, potentially requiring significant resource allocation or system upgrades to avoid new backlogs.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions and implications.
Section 2(a) and 2(c)(1), amending 38 U.S.C. 111(g) and 111(a)
Increase VA Beneficiary Travel Mileage Rate
This provision amends current law to ensure that the mileage reimbursement rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health-related travel is at least equal to the rate the General Services Administration (GSA) sets for federal employees using their personal vehicles for official business. Previously, the rate was fixed at 41.5 cents per mile; this change links it to a dynamic federal standard, which is typically higher and adjusts periodically.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this increase is crucial for ensuring veterans receive fair compensation for the actual costs of travel, which have risen significantly since the previous fixed rate was established. They contend it removes a financial barrier to care, particularly for veterans in remote areas who must travel long distances.
Critics contend
Critics may point to the increased cost to the federal budget, arguing that while supporting veterans is important, every expenditure must be carefully weighed. They might also suggest that a dynamic rate could make long-term budget forecasting more challenging for the VA.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of providing equitable financial support to veterans with the fiscal responsibility of managing federal expenditures. It also trades a fixed, predictable cost for a variable, market-responsive rate.
Section 2(b), amending 38 U.S.C. 111(b)
Mandate 90-Day Payment Deadline for Travel Allowances
This provision adds a new requirement that if the VA makes any payments through the Beneficiary Travel program, it must ensure that mileage allowances are paid to veterans no later than 90 days after a proper request is submitted. This sets a clear deadline for the VA to process and disburse reimbursements, aiming to prevent lengthy delays.