Members of Congress demand info on VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Lawmakers demanded answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs about its support for women veterans. Thursday, U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and 11 other Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins.

The letter noted the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (ACWV) hasn't met since 2024, and a required report wasn't filed in 2025.

According to the letter, the committee has to meet twice a year and file a report to the VA's secretary every July.

"The lapse in the ACWV’s required activities raises concerns about whether the Department is fulfilling its statutory obligation to consult with and seek the committee’s advice on matters affecting women veterans," the letter said.

In the letter, congress members said by law, Secretary Collins must "consult with and seek advice from the ACWV with respect to VA health care, benefits, outreach, and other programs administered by VA."

The lawmakers asked the VA for information on how they're supporting women veterans without the committee's input.

Congress members involved in the letter sought answers about how many times the ACWV met in 2025-26 and whether the meeting frequency affected budgets.

You can read the full letter below.

Rep. Escobar is running for re-election this November against the Republican candidate, Adam Bauman.