HOME Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 3720

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Last Updated

2026-02-25T09:06:30Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity Act of 2025 (HOME Act of 2025) aims to enhance housing support for veterans by improving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guidance on loan eligibility, creating tools for accessing adapted housing, and expanding outreach efforts. It focuses on making homeownership more accessible, particularly for disabled veterans and those in U.S. territories.

Key Provisions

• Guidance on Veterans' Residual Income for Loans: Amends Section 3710(i) of title 38, U.S. Code, to include nonprofit financial service organizations in the list of entities the VA consults when developing guidelines for lenders on assessing a veteran's "residual income" (the amount of money left after essential expenses, used to determine loan affordability). It also requires the VA to partner with veteran advocacy nonprofits to provide optional financial counseling to veterans using VA-guaranteed home loans.
• Database for Adapted Housing: Amends Section 2101 of title 38, U.S. Code, to require the VA to create and maintain an online database listing homes for sale that have been modified (adapted) for disabled veterans using VA grants. Sellers can opt in, and the database will be accessible to disabled veterans seeking such properties.
• Outreach in U.S. Territories: Amends Section 2101A of title 38, U.S. Code, to mandate VA outreach programs informing veterans living in U.S. territories (like Puerto Rico or Guam) about their eligibility for grants to adapt housing for disabilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds nonprofits to the VA's consultation process for loan guidelines, expanding input beyond current government and industry sources.
• Introduces a new voluntary financial counseling requirement tied to VA home loans, which did not exist before.
• Establishes a first-of-its-kind national database for adapted homes, shifting from reactive grant processes to proactive information sharing.
• Mandates targeted outreach to territorial residents, broadening the scope of existing housing adaptation programs that previously focused mainly on the mainland U.S.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases VA responsibilities, including database development, nonprofit coordination, and outreach campaigns, potentially requiring additional funding or staff but improving program efficiency.
• On Citizens: Benefits veterans, especially disabled ones and those in territories, by simplifying access to affordable, suitable housing and financial advice, which could reduce default risks on VA loans and promote homeownership.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill is domestic and focused on U.S. veterans.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, particularly disabled veterans seeking adapted homes and those using VA loans or living in territories.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Tasked with implementation, including new administrative duties.
• Lenders and Financial Institutions: Receive clearer, more inclusive VA guidance on loan approvals, potentially streamlining processes.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Gain roles in counseling and advocacy consultations, expanding their influence in veteran support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens VA's authority under title 38 without overriding existing loan guarantee frameworks; the voluntary counseling and opt-in database respect privacy and choice, avoiding mandates that could face legal challenges.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to support veterans (a recognized federal priority under Article I), with no apparent conflicts to equal protection or due process.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for veteran welfare by addressing housing barriers, potentially setting a precedent for tech-enabled (e.g., databases) and inclusive (e.g., territorial) program expansions, though implementation costs could spark budget debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
• 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (3 pages)