VA Flood Preparedness Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4188
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T10:58:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
VA Flood Preparedness Act (H.R. 4188)
Purpose
This legislation authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide financial contributions to local authorities for projects that reduce flooding risks on properties next to VA medical facilities. It specifically addresses general flooding and risks linked to rising sea levels.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Existing Authority: Modifies section 8108 of title 38, United States Code, to expand the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' ability to make contributions for flood mitigation.
- Report Requirement: Directs the VA Secretary to submit a report within two years of enactment to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. The report must assess:
- Flooding risks, including those from rising sea levels, at each VA medical facility.
- Whether additional resources are needed to address these risks.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill adds explicit language allowing contributions "to mitigate the risk of flooding, including the risk of flooding associated with rising sea levels" to the existing provision in 38 U.S.C. § 8108. This introduces a new focus on climate-related flooding without altering other sections of the law.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enables the VA to support local flood control efforts near its facilities, potentially reducing future repair costs or operational disruptions from floods.
- Citizens: May indirectly benefit veterans and staff at VA medical facilities by helping protect adjacent areas from flooding.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders
- Department of Veterans Affairs and its medical facilities.
- Local authorities responsible for flood mitigation.
- Veterans who use VA medical services.
- Congressional committees on Veterans' Affairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill represents a straightforward expansion of VA spending authority through an amendment to title 38. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns and operates within Congress's power to authorize federal expenditures for veterans' programs. Politically, it reflects bipartisan sponsorship focused on infrastructure resilience at VA sites.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- VA Flood Preparedness Act — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (2 pages)