S. 599 · In committee · Armed Forces and National Security

DRIVE Act of 2025

Sponsor: Peter Welch (D-VT)

What it does

• Increase mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to or from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care to match the federal employee mileage reimbursement rate.
• Require the VA to pay mileage allowances within 90 days of receiving a properly submitted reimbursement request.
• Tie future veteran mileage reimbursement rates to the federal government employee mileage reimbursement rate.

Official summary

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025 or the DRIVE Act of 2025 This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available. The bill also requires the VA to ensure that an allowance based on mileage is paid not later than 90 days after the request is properly submitted to the VA.

Latest action

May 21, 2025: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.

Committee: Senate Veterans' Affairs