May 8, 2025   SOURCE: BusinessWire

National Association for Veterans Rights Applauds Passage of CHOICE Act in House Committee, Defeat of GUARD Act

The National Association for Veterans Rights (NAVR) applauds the passage of the CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 (H.R. 3132) by the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Introduced by Lieutenant General Jack Bergman and co-led by Chairman Mike Bost, Congressman Derek Van Orden, and Congressman Keith Self, all Veterans and members of the Committee, this legislation preserves Veterans’ freedom of choice, expands access to accredited representation, and imposes new penalties on bad actors preying on vulnerable claimants.

The bill represents a bold shift toward empowering Veterans in obtaining their disability benefits, expanding their options under the newly modified VA accreditation program, and allowing them to work with the free market, while imposing civil and criminal penalties on those who operate outside the law.

“This is a major win for Veterans across the country. The CHOICE Act gives Veterans more control over their own lives by expanding access to help and cracking down on the bad actors who abuse the system,” said Peter O’Rourke, NAVR’s President, and former Acting Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “It reinforces the fundamental right of Veterans to choose the best service for them, not the government.”

During the markup, an amendment to replace the CHOICE Act with the GUARD Act was officially defeated. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently signaled that the GUARD Act may be unconstitutional, as it infringes on the First Amendment rights of Veterans and independent organizations that support them. This marks the first full committee rejection of the GUARD Act, a failed policy facing legal challenges at the state level. “The defeat of the GUARD Act marks a turning point. For too long, Veterans have been forced into a one-size-fits-all bureaucracy that limits their rights and choices,” O’Rourke added. “This markup proves there’s recognition that Veterans deserve freedom, not restrictions.”

O’Rourke further emphasized: “We applaud the Committee’s leadership and urge Congress to move the CHOICE Act to the floor without delay. Passing this bill would send a clear signal that predatory practices will not be tolerated, and that mission-aligned entities willing to meet the accreditation standards should be welcomed into the solution.”

The CHOICE for Veterans Act has garnered broad support from groups across the political and economic spectrum, including the Center for a Free Economy, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, leaders in the private sector, and over 20 prominent think tanks, nonprofits, and Veterans service organizations. NAVR remains committed to working with lawmakers and advocates to ensure Veterans maintain their constitutional rights, meaningful choice, and access to high-quality benefits and support.

About NAVR:

The National Association for Veterans Rights (NAVR) is a national trade association committed to promoting ethical and transparent business practices among companies engaging with the service-disabled Veteran community. NAVR advocates for businesses that empower Veterans with professional and transparent solutions while advancing support for Veteran-owned businesses.