Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 6047
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-06-02: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:41:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to expand certain veterans' benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including increased compensation payments, modified housing loan fees, extended pension limits, and broader eligibility for VA-guaranteed housing loans for members of the reserve components and National Guard.

Key Provisions

Disability Compensation Increase: Adds a new subsection (u) to 38 U.S.C. § 1114, providing a supplemental monthly allowance of $833.33 to veterans already eligible for aid and attendance benefits under subsections (r) or (t). This takes effect December 1, 2026.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Adjustment: Amends 38 U.S.C. § 5312 by adding subsection (d), which ties future DIC increases under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(1) and (3) to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments plus an extra 1% (reduced to 0.5% after the first increase). The changes apply from December 1, 2026, and end after the second adjustment.
Housing Loan Fee Modifications: Amends 38 U.S.C. § 3729(b)(2) to extend certain fee waivers through September 30, 2036, and raises specific loan fees (from 0.50% to 1.42% in one category and to 1.0% in another).
Pension Payment Limits: Extends the expiration date in 38 U.S.C. § 5503(d)(7) from January 31, 2033, to September 30, 2036.
Guard and Reserve Housing Loan Eligibility: Adds a short title ("Home Affordability for Guard and Reserve Act") and expands the definition of "active duty" and "veteran" in 38 U.S.C. §§ 3701(b) and 3702(a)(2) to include certain reserve and National Guard service (retroactive to September 11, 2001), plus eligibility for those with at least 14 days of qualifying service who complete entry-level training. An additional 1.0% loan fee applies, and the VA must notify eligible personnel via the Department of Defense.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces a new supplemental payment structure for severely disabled veterans under title 38.
Creates an automatic, enhanced annual adjustment mechanism for DIC payments linked to Social Security increases, with a temporary extra percentage boost.
Extends multiple existing deadlines for housing loan fees and pension restrictions by approximately two to three years.
Broadens the scope of who qualifies as a "veteran" for home loan guarantees, including limited-service reserve and Guard members, with corresponding fee adjustments.

Potential Impacts

Increases benefit payments for qualifying veterans and survivors, potentially raising VA expenditures.
Extends current fee structures and limits, affecting VA housing loan program revenue and pension administration.
Expands housing loan access for reserve and National Guard personnel, which may require coordination between the VA and Department of Defense for notifications and eligibility determinations.
No direct effects on international relations are specified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Veterans receiving or eligible for disability compensation, aid and attendance allowances, DIC, or VA-guaranteed housing loans.
Members of the reserve components and National Guard.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (as the administering agency).
The Department of Defense (for personnel notifications).
Survivors of deceased veterans eligible for DIC.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill makes targeted amendments to title 38 of the U.S. Code without altering core constitutional authorities or creating new regulatory frameworks. It relies on existing congressional spending and benefits powers, with retroactive application limited to eligibility definitions for housing loans.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

Cosponsors (14)

Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]

Recent Actions

2026-06-02: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2026-05-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-05-21: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 235 - 179 (Roll no. 191). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3699-3700) (Roll call 191)
2026-05-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 235 - 179 (Roll no. 191). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3699-3700) (Roll call 191)
2026-05-21: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3711-3712)
2026-05-21: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 6047, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Takano demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-05-21: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-05-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 6047.
2026-05-21: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047 and H.R. 1329. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047, and H.R. 1329 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2026-05-21: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1300. (consideration: CR H3699-3707)
2026-05-19: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1300 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047 and H.R. 1329. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047, and H.R. 1329 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2026-04-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 497.
2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-577.
2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-577.
2026-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.

Bill Versions

Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-21 — PDF (10 pages)
Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-17 — PDF (5 pages)
Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (9 pages)
Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (12 pages)