A bill to help military veterans suffering from sexual trauma has moved one step closer to passage.

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and other members of Congress, both GOP and Democrat, are shepherding a bill that would improve training for Veterans Administration employees who handle sexual trauma claims from the military. It also would reduce red tape for survivors who seek disability benefits.

According to the Illinois Democrat’s office, the department VA received 57,400 trauma claims in fiscal year 2024, up 18% from 2023. 

With Tuesday’s approval of the bill by the House Veterans Affairs Committee, “We’re one step closer to delivering the respect and justice these veterans deserve,” Budzinski said.

Budzinski’s central Illinois district stretches from Urbana-Champaign to the Metro East, including parts of Madison and St. Clair counties.

The bill also has the support of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, who chairs the veterans committee. His district includes Monroe County and part of St. Clair County.

“Filing and pursuing a VA claim is stressful enough. Survivors of military sexual trauma shouldn’t have to deal with their trauma again when going through the VA disability claims process,” Bost said.