VA’s OCLA celebrates its centennial

VA’s Office of Congressional Liaison Service (OCLA), responsible for keeping Congress informed on all things VA, reaches a milestone.

In 1921, Congress created the Veterans Bureau, one agency to administer Veterans benefits programs. Millions of World War I Veterans had questions about getting life insurance, how to apply for disability compensation, where to get health care. They turned to their elected representatives for help.

Initially, members of Congress and staff journeyed the 2.5 miles from Capitol Hill to VA’s Central Office building to get answers on policy and procedure questions.

It didn’t take long to figure out this wasn’t efficient.

On December 10, 1922, OCLA put Veterans Bureau employees on Capitol Hill, creating an office to assist Congress with what would become VA. Last week the office marked its 100th year of service.

“To me, the creation of the Constituent Liaison Service is the beginning of the relationship between the Hill and VA,” said Patricia Ross, assistant secretary for Congressional & Legislative Affairs, to the group assembled to recognize the anniversary. “The team is well equipped to assist congressional offices as their constituents navigate VA care and benefits.”

Joining staff in the milestone celebration were Secretary McDonough, Deputy Secretary Remy, Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher and Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Connecting Congress with constituents

OCLA keeps Congress in the know about changes in policy, with a few briefings per month for district and state offices. They manage constituent casework from both chambers—the lifeblood of what happens on the ground in the home districts of the 541 Members of Congress.

“Nothing is more eloquent to a Member of Congress than the voice of his or her constituents,” said Ross.

The small team of VA employees handles more than 40,000+ cases per year. With the passage of the PACT Act, the caseload will increase dramatically, but Ross says the team is up for the challenge.

“We’ll be ready, thanks to the people in this room,” she said.