Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 144
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:09:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 144) aims to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on "Reproductive Health Services." It uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules) to block the rule from taking effect, ensuring it has no legal force.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval Statement: Congress explicitly disapproves the VA rule titled "Reproductive Health Services," published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2025 (volume 90, page 61310).
- Effect of Disapproval: If enacted, the rule is nullified and cannot be implemented by the VA.
- Sponsors and Referral: Introduced by Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA) and others (including bipartisan cosponsors like Rep. Mike Conaway, a Republican) on January 27, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend statutes but invokes the Congressional Review Act to override an administrative rule, preventing the VA from expanding or modifying its policies on reproductive health services for veterans.
- It would revert the VA's approach to these services to the status before the rule's proposed implementation, without creating new laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA would be prohibited from enforcing the rule, potentially limiting its ability to provide certain reproductive health care (such as abortion-related services) to eligible veterans, especially in cases involving rape, incest, or life endangerment, as might have been outlined in the rule.
- On Citizens: Veterans, particularly women veterans, could face restricted access to VA-provided reproductive health services, forcing them to seek care elsewhere (e.g., private providers or other federal programs). This might increase costs and barriers for military personnel and their families.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the rule and resolution focus on domestic VA operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Their Families: Primary beneficiaries or potential users of VA reproductive health services, who may lose access if the rule is blocked.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: The agency responsible for implementing health services, facing operational constraints and possible legal challenges.
- Congressional Members and Committees: Sponsors (a mix of Democrats and Republicans) and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which oversees VA policy.
- Healthcare Providers: VA doctors and staff involved in reproductive care, as well as external providers who might see increased demand.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Relies on the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 8), which provides a mechanism for Congress to review and veto agency rules within a set period after submission. If passed and signed (or if a veto is overridden), it sets a precedent for congressional intervention in VA health policies without needing new legislation. The rule's nullification could lead to lawsuits from affected parties challenging access to care.
- Constitutional Implications: Balances separation of powers by allowing the legislative branch to check executive agency actions, but it does not raise direct constitutional issues like free speech or equal protection in the resolution itself (though the underlying rule might touch on privacy rights under the Constitution).
- Political Implications: Highlights bipartisan interest in veterans' issues but occurs in a polarized context around reproductive rights following the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (which ended federal protection for abortion). It could influence ongoing debates on federal funding for such services under laws like the Veterans Health Care Act.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Cosponsors (153)
Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12] and 103 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services". — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (2 pages)