Legislative Activity

The CRUISE Act aims to improve the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs reimburses automobile sellers for vehicles purchased for disabled veterans. This legislation mandates timely payments to sellers, requiring the VA to adhere to federal payment standards and publicly report delays. Furthermore, it centralizes the payment process within the VA's Central Office to ensure better tracking and resolution of outstanding claims.

The Home Affordability for Guard and Reserve Act expands eligibility for VA-guaranteed home loans to more members of the National Guard and Reserves by broadening the definition of "active duty." This change retroactively covers qualifying service performed on or after September 11, 2001. Additionally, the bill creates a path to eligibility for certain Guard and Reserve members who complete at least 14 days of active duty, subject to an increased loan fee.

The Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025 significantly restructures the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) acquisition process, particularly for major programs exceeding specified cost thresholds. This bill establishes a centralized Office of Acquisition led by a dedicated Assistant Secretary to oversee and manage all major acquisition efforts. Furthermore, it mandates independent verification, validation, and rigorous cost assessment for these programs to improve transparency and performance. The Act also aims to strengthen the acquisition workforce by prioritizing internship hiring and standardizing requirements development.

The Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 modernizes how the Department of Veterans Affairs communicates with veterans by expanding outreach methods beyond traditional calling and mail to include texts and electronic messaging. This legislation specifically updates the Solid Start program and allows veterans to opt-in for digital correspondence regarding their educational assistance benefits. Additionally, the Act extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on pension payments.

The VA Extenders Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to ensure the continuity of numerous existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and authorities for another year, generally through September 30, 2026. It extends key provisions across healthcare, benefits administration, housing support, and oversight functions, preventing lapses in critical services like suicide prevention grants, homeless veteran support, and educational assistance protections. The legislation also includes structural improvements and increased accountability measures for the VA's mortgage protection programs.

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act mandates the creation of a "Veteran to Supply Chain Employee Action Plan" to facilitate the transition of service members and veterans into jobs within the port, ocean, rail, and truck supply chain industries. This plan will identify barriers to employment and recommend concrete steps for federal agencies to better connect veterans' skills with industry needs. The goal is to increase the hiring and retention of veterans in critical supply chain roles.

The Forcing Real Accountability for Unlawful Distributions Act of 2025 (FRAUD Act of 2025) mandates the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implement advanced technology to proactively detect and analyze fraud, waste, and abuse in veteran healthcare claims, both before and after payment. This new system must use machine learning to improve accuracy and must be fully operational within one year of enactment. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on veteran pension payments until January 30, 2034.

The Improving Disaster Assistance for Veterans Act establishes a dedicated Veterans Advocate position within FEMA to ensure fair treatment of veterans under existing disaster relief laws. This Advocate will coordinate with veterans service organizations and promote veteran hiring within FEMA during disaster responses. The bill focuses on improving access to current assistance, not authorizing new types of aid.

The Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act of 2025 aims to streamline and improve the VA's caregiver support program. It mandates the creation of a centralized digital system for processing caregiver applications and appeals. Additionally, the bill clarifies stipend payments following a veteran's death and standardizes training for all employees reviewing caregiver assistance appeals.

The Patriots Over Politics Act creates a special, limited window for certain service members separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine between August 2021 and January 2023 to transfer their unused VA education benefits to an eligible dependent. This transfer option is available for 90 days following the bill's enactment. If transferred to a child, the benefit use is contingent upon the service member having completed at least six years of service.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans are officially covered under Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. This ensures essential vehicle modifications for safe driving and mobility are recognized as part of veteran medical benefits. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act amends the Veterans Community Care Program to include licensed hearing aid specialists as eligible providers. This change expands the network of professionals available to deliver hearing aid services to veterans through the VA's community care options.

The Lowboy Auto Hauler Fairness Act of 2025 officially defines lowboy trailers and establishes new, more flexible length limitations for truck-lowboy combinations hauling vehicles. This allows these specialized carriers to operate up to 80 feet in total length if specific overhang requirements are met. Furthermore, the bill exempts these lowboy trailers from standard rear warning flag requirements.

The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent assessment of all notices sent by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure they are clearer, more concise, and easier for claimants to understand. The VA Secretary must implement the resulting recommendations within one year of receiving the assessment. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on veterans' pension payments.

This Act ensures that the federal observances for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day do not fall on the same day. If the official observance of Inauguration Day coincides with the third Monday in January, the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be moved to the following Tuesday. This guarantees separate recognition for both important federal holidays.

The Military Helicopter Training Safety Act of 2025 mandates a study on installing advanced collision avoidance technology, specifically TCAS and ADS-B IN systems, in all military rotary-wing aircraft. The Secretary of Defense must report to Congress within 90 days detailing the feasibility, cost, and operational impact of these installations. This review aims to enhance safety by improving military helicopter awareness in shared airspace.