Sponsors (38)
I'll give you the short version of this bill.
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Replaces subsection (g) to require that the mileage rate described in subsection (a) be equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately owned vehicles by Government employees on official business, as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services under 5 U.S.C. 5707(b).
Adds a new paragraph (5) requiring that, for any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises authority under this section to make payments, mileage-based allowances be paid not later than 90 days after a properly submitted request in accordance with applicable regulations.
Revises subsection (a) by striking the parenthetical specifying a fixed per-mile rate (41.5 cents per mile) and replacing it with a reference to a rate determined in accordance with subsection (g).
Makes a conforming amendment to subsection (b)(1) by striking text (text to be struck not specified in section text).
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay mileage-based travel reimbursements to beneficiaries at a rate that is at least the same as the General Services Administration (GSA) government employee mileage rate, replacing prior fixed-rate language. It also requires mileage-based allowance claims that are properly submitted to be paid within 90 days. The change restores alignment with the Federal mileage standard, removes the old fixed 41.5 cents reference, and creates a 90-day payment deadline to speed reimbursements to veterans and other VA beneficiaries who travel for VA care or services.
Amend subsection (g) of 38 U.S.C. §111 to require the Secretary to ensure that the mileage rate described in subsection (a) is equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for use of privately owned vehicles by Government employees (as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services under 5 U.S.C. §5707(b)).
Add new paragraph (5) to subsection (b) of 38 U.S.C. §111 requiring that if the Secretary exercises the authority to make any payments in a fiscal year, the Secretary must take necessary actions to ensure a mileage-based allowance paid under subsection (a) is paid no later than 90 days after a properly submitted request under the Secretary's regulations.
In subsection (a) of 38 U.S.C. §111, strike the parenthetical "(at a rate of 41.5 cents per mile)" and insert "(at a rate determined in accordance with subsection (g))".
In subsection (b)(1) of 38 U.S.C. §111, make a conforming amendment described as "by striking ." (text as presented in the section).
Primary beneficiaries are veterans and other VA beneficiaries who travel for VA-authorized services and rely on mileage reimbursements. They will benefit from reimbursements tied to the current federal mileage rate (so payments will better reflect actual vehicle operating costs when the GSA rate rises) and from a 90-day payment deadline that should reduce payment delays. VA claims and payments staff, and the department’s payment and IT systems, will need to update policies and systems to reference the GSA rate, calculate payments accordingly, and track/meet the 90-day payment requirement. The change does not itself appropriate new funding, so payment increases tied to higher mileage rates will be absorbed within VA’s existing budget processes unless Congress provides additional appropriations. The rule does not alter eligibility, only the rate and timing of mileage payments.
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Julia Brownley · Last progress February 13, 2025
DRIVE Act of 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House