Last night, Rep. Pete Aguilar’s Wounded Warrior Access Act unanimously passed the Senate. The Wounded Warrior Access Act, led by Senator Padilla in the Senate, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to allow veterans to receive a copy of their claim file (“C-File”) electronically to expedite the claims process, while also protecting veterans from the risks posed by working with unaccredited and unqualified claim consultants.

The bill is now on its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

“I’m thrilled that the Wounded Warrior Access Act passed the Senate unanimously and is on its way to the President’s desk,” said Representative Aguilar. “I introduced this bill because veterans who put their lives on the line for our country deserve greater access to their benefits. By making the claims process more transparent, veterans can soon access their benefits without jumping through unnecessary hoops. I will keep fighting to raise the quality of life for our veterans.”

“Those who have served our country with honor, courage, and distinction deserve our nation’s enduring support and gratitude,” said Senator Padilla. “Veterans should not have to travel to a regional VA location to access their claim file or wait for a physical copy to come in the mail; they should be able to quickly access the information they need electronically. I am glad to see my Senate colleagues unanimously stand up for our veterans today to make it easier for them to access their hard-earned benefits. I encourage President Biden to swiftly sign this legislation into law.”

This legislation has been endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc., and Wounded Warrior Project.