Congressman Brian J. Mast | Congressman Brian J. Mast Website
Congressman Brian J. Mast | Congressman Brian J. Mast Website
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast has introduced the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2025, aimed at enabling Members of Congress to use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to meet with veteran constituents. This legislation is designed to streamline the process for veterans seeking assistance from congressional representatives, particularly on issues concerning the VA or the IRS.
Congressman Mast, a representative of Florida's 21st district, highlighted the effectiveness of a similar initiative he launched back in 2017. "When we opened an office in the West Palm Beach VA back in 2017, we created a one-stop shop for veterans who needed our help cutting through red tape," Mast shared. He described it as a "proven model that improves care for veterans in our community," and advocated for its broader implementation across the nation, emphasizing that "veterans across the country deserve this same kind of care and assistance."
The idea to establish a congressional office within a VA facility originated with Congressman Mast, who opened the first such office in the West Palm VA Medical Center in 2017. During its initial run, over 500 veterans utilized the office to meet Congressman Mast and his team, benefiting notably those veterans with mobility issues. Although the office was closed in 2019 following an eviction by the Department of Veterans Affairs, it has since been reinstated with the support of VA Secretary Doug Collins. As of April 8th, the office will operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing consistent access for veterans.
The proposed bill aims to expand this successful model beyond Palm Beach, making similar services available to veterans nationwide.
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