Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held an oversight hearing on July 14, 2026, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) efforts to modernize its Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) and improve the processing of veterans' disability claims, especially following the PACT Act. The hearing addressed challenges with legacy IT infrastructure, system outages, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in claims processing. VA officials reported progress in digitizing veteran claim documents, improving search capabilities, and migrating data to the cloud, while emphasizing that AI supports but does not replace human decision-making. Witnesses from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted ongoing management and governance challenges, recommending stronger oversight and workforce development. Veteran service organizations expressed concerns about system fragmentation, overreliance on automation, and the need for better integration and transparency to improve the veteran experience. The committee discussed the importance of data quality, interagency data sharing with the Department of Defense, and ensuring that technology modernization efforts align with veterans' needs and protect their data privacy. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were detailed, but policy and oversight considerations related to IT modernization and AI governance were emphasized.