Delaware’s Veterans One Step Closer to a Seat at the Governor’s Table!

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 1 Passes from Senate Veterans Affairs Committee

On June 10, 2025, the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee reported out a bill that, when passed by the full Senate and signed by the Governor (the bill has already passed the House), will create a new cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 1 creates the cabinet secretary position to advocate for and administer programs relating to veterans in the State of Delaware. It is the intent of this legislation that current staff of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Veterans Affairs will continue their work, but as part of the new Department of Veterans Affairs, with the potential for expanded staff and duties in accordance with annual appropriations.

Here is a link to the bill for more detailed information about full implementation, timelines, and other considerations.

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142103

Representative William Carson (RD28) is the primary sponsor of the bill, which has strong bipartisan support.

The Caucus encourages all members to call your state senator and the Governor and express your support for this bill.

Update: the bill is out of the Veterans Affairs Committee and will be voted on by the full Senate on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.