FORWARD Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4996
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-19: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T09:07:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to expand access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) by permitting certain retired or fully disabled former members of the uniformed services to make personal contributions to their TSP accounts after leaving service.
Key Provisions
- The bill adds a new subsection (f) to section 8440e of title 5, United States Code.
- Eligible individuals include former uniformed services members who receive retired pay under chapter 71 of title 10 or compensation under section 1114 of title 38 for a 100 percent disability rating, provided they are not current federal employees.
- Contributions may be made from the individual's retired pay or disability compensation, following election procedures in section 8432(b).
- No employer matching or automatic contributions under section 8432 apply.
- Eligibility requires that the individual already held a TSP account prior to separation from the uniformed services or civil service.
- The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board must issue implementing regulations within 180 days, in coordination with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This measure amends current TSP rules, which generally limit contributions to active federal employees and certain uniformed services members. It creates a limited post-separation contribution pathway for retirees and 100 percent disabled veterans who previously participated in the plan.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and coordinate new regulations and administrative processes.
- Citizens: Provides additional retirement savings options for eligible military retirees and disabled veterans by allowing continued personal contributions to existing TSP accounts.
- International relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Retired members of the uniformed services entitled to retired pay.
- Veterans receiving 100 percent disability compensation.
- The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
- The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill modifies eligibility rules under title 5 without altering contribution limits or investment options. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on extending benefits to prior plan participants.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-19: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-08-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Financial Opportunities for Retirees and Warriors Advancing Retirement Development Act — issued 2025-08-19 — PDF (3 pages)