VA phone lines would get wait-time alerts and callbacks
In committeeS. 3170Latest action
Sponsor: John Kennedy · Senator · LA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Stuck On Hold Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The VA would have to tell callers their wait time and offer a callback if the wait is longer than 10 minutes.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require the VA to upgrade its customer service phone lines within one year. Callers would be told how long they expect to wait, and if that wait is over 10 minutes, the system must offer a callback. The VA would also need to issue internal guidance to bring average hold times down to 10 minutes or less.
Who does it affect?
Veterans and others who call the VA about benefits, healthcare appointments, or other services would be affected. These changes would not apply to the VA's veteran crisis or suicide hotline, or to emergency department phone lines.
Why does it matter?
Without this change, callers may wait on hold without knowing how long they will wait or having the option to receive a callback. This bill would require the VA to take steps to reduce and better communicate those wait times.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 10, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.