20250HR__012099INT INTRODUCED 2026-06-10 2025 HR INT Introduced by Assembly Member Alanis LEAD_AUTHOR ASSEMBLY Alanis Relative to veterans. veterans

WHEREAS, The United States and the State of California have long honored the service, sacrifice, and dedication of veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; and

WHEREAS, California is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, and veterans contribute significantly to the civic, economic, and cultural life of California; and

WHEREAS, Many veterans rely on disability compensation and related benefits, administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to support health care, housing, and basic living needs; and

WHEREAS, Timely access to earned benefits is essential to honoring the commitment made by, and ensuring the well-being and stability of, veterans; and

WHEREAS, Delays in the processing of veterans’ disability claims can result in financial hardship, emotional stress, and barriers to necessary medical care for a veteran and their family; and

WHEREAS, As of recent reporting, the average processing time for a veterans’ disability claim has, at times, exceeded several months, contributing to a backlog within the federal claims system; and

WHEREAS, Efforts to improve veterans’ disability claims processing efficiency, including claims systems modernization, increased staffing, and administrative reforms, have demonstrated the potential to reduce delays and improve service delivery; and

WHEREAS, Expediting the processing of veterans’ disability claims reflects a continued commitment to veterans and ensures more timely access to earned federal benefits; and

WHEREAS, California remains committed to honoring veterans through both recognition and advocacy for effective and efficient claims processing;

now, therefore,

be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby honors the service and sacrifice of all United States veterans and respectfully urges the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to continue efforts to reduce the backlog and processing time for veterans’ disability claims through improvements in staffing, administrative efficiency, and the modernization of claims systems; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, each member of the California Congressional delegation, and to the author for appropriate distribution.