NAVREF submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Subcommittee on Health expressing support and feedback on key legislation affecting VA research programs and veteran health.

VA Data Transparency and Trust Act

NAVREF supports the goal of increasing transparency and trust in VA data, but we raised concerns about how “medical services data” is defined under current law. This definition may not fully capture the complexity of VA research and integrated care—such as cases where a veteran receives both standard treatment and participates in a clinical trial at the same facility. Without accounting for such nuances, reporting may be incomplete or misleading. We urge Congress and VA leaders to refine the bill to ensure data transparency reflects the full scope of care and research.

RNA Sequencing to Diagnose PTSD

NAVREF fully supports this forward-looking bill directing VA to study RNA sequencing as a tool to identify cellular markers of PTSD. This aligns with VA’s growing focus on precision medicine and mental health innovation. Many of our member nonprofits already support PTSD research and are ready to assist with implementation and collaboration. We also recommend the legislation leverage the VA Million Veteran Program’s data and infrastructure to strengthen the study.

NAVREF welcomes opportunities to collaborate with Congress and VA stakeholders to ensure legislation supports impactful, accurate, and future-focused research that benefits all veterans.