Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 785
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 498.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T16:13:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 785: Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026
Purpose
This legislation aims to expand membership requirements for the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better incorporate input from state-operated veterans' facilities and related professionals.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 7315 of title 38, United States Code, which governs the advisory committee's composition.
- Requires the committee to include:
- At least one representative of a national veterans service organization.
- At least one individual with experience serving veterans or their families in a state veterans home.
- At least one individual holding a professional license in nursing home administration.
- Redesignates existing sentences in the section as numbered paragraphs for clarity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Updates the prior requirement for committee membership, which only mandated at least one representative from a national veterans service organization, by adding two new categories focused on state homes and nursing home expertise.
- Does not alter the overall structure or authority of the advisory committee but broadens its required representation.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The VA's Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee may gain additional perspectives on long-term care for aging veterans, potentially influencing policy recommendations.
- Citizens: Veterans residing in state veterans homes and their families could see improved consideration of their needs in VA advisory processes.
- International relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Veterans Affairs and its advisory committee.
- State veterans homes and the National Association of State Veterans Homes.
- National veterans service organizations.
- Licensed nursing home administrators.
- Veterans receiving care in state facilities and their families.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The changes are administrative and advisory in nature, with no apparent alterations to constitutional powers, individual rights, or major legal frameworks.
- The bill maintains neutrality in expanding representation without mandating specific policy outcomes from the committee.
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 (18)
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Taylor, David [R-OH-2], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 498.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-578.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-578.
- 2026-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-05: Subcommittee on Health Discharged
- 2025-06-12: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-03-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (2 pages)
- Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (4 pages)