VETRA Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
In Committee
Summary
Modernize VA digital identity and authentication. This bill would create a two-year pilot to replace knowledge-based or single-factor checks with multi-factor, risk-tiered identity proofing and adaptive authentication across up to three high-volume VA digital platforms.
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- Veterans and beneficiaries would get stronger, risk-based online authentication for services like disability claims, health enrollment, education benefits, and home loans.
- VA IT and operations would run the pilot on up to three platforms for two years, using commercially available, independently certified solutions and funded from VA IT appropriations with a hard cap of $25.0 million.
- Independent oversight and reporting are required, including interim and final VA reports and a Government Accountability Office evaluation that must assess fraud reduction, access barriers for rural residents and people with disabilities, and cost versus benefits.
*Would obligate up to $25.0 million from VA IT appropriations for the pilot and does not authorize additional funds.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilot to Modernize VA Digital ID
If enacted, VA would run a two-year pilot to modernize its digital ID and login systems. The pilot would cover up to three high-volume VA online platforms and use commercially available identity solutions. VA would be able to spend up to $25,000,000 total for the pilot. Participating tools would need independent certification at NIST IAL2 and multi-factor authentication at AAL2 or higher. The pilot would use risk-tiered and adaptive authentication and require reports: an implementation plan within 120 days, an interim report one year after start, a final report 90 days before the pilot ends, and a GAO evaluation within 18 months. The pilot authority would end two years after enactment and VA would not be able to expand scope or funding without a new law.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]
SC • R
Sponsored 7/13/2026
Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
NJ • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
NJ • D
Sponsored 9/1/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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