Deliver for Veterans Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 877
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-08: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-10T01:38:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Deliver for Veterans Act" (H.R. 877) aims to improve support for disabled veterans by expanding the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ability to cover costs for adaptive vehicles, including delivery expenses. It also makes a minor adjustment to extend a deadline related to veterans' pension payments.
Key Provisions
- Vehicle Adaptation Assistance: Authorizes the VA Secretary to pay not only the full purchase price of an automobile or other conveyance adapted for use by a disabled veteran but also the full shipping costs to deliver the vehicle to the veteran.
- Pension Payment Extension: Extends a specific limitation on certain pension payments under VA rules from November 30, 2031, to March 31, 2032.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 3902(a) of Title 38, United States Code, which previously allowed the VA to cover only the purchase price of adaptive vehicles. The change adds coverage for shipping and delivery costs, broadening financial support for eligible veterans.
- Amends Section 5503(d)(7) of Title 38, United States Code, by simply updating the end date for a temporary restriction on pension adjustments, providing a short four-month extension without altering the underlying rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA may face slightly increased administrative and budgetary responsibilities for processing and funding vehicle deliveries, potentially requiring minor adjustments to program funding.
- On Citizens: Eligible disabled veterans, particularly those needing adaptive vehicles for mobility (e.g., due to service-related injuries), will benefit from reduced out-of-pocket costs for shipping, making it easier to obtain necessary transportation. The pension extension could provide brief continued stability for a subset of pension recipients.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic VA programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Disabled Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those qualifying for adaptive vehicle grants under VA programs.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing the expanded payments and managing the pension extension.
- Vehicle Suppliers and Shippers: May see increased business from VA-funded deliveries of adaptive automobiles or conveyances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens existing VA authority under Title 38 without introducing new eligibility criteria, ensuring compliance with federal benefits laws. The changes are straightforward amendments, unlikely to face legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to provide for veterans' welfare under Article I, Section 8, and poses no apparent conflicts with due process or equal protection principles.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for veterans' mobility and financial aid, as evidenced by the bill's passage in the House. The pension extension is a minor procedural update, potentially averting short-term disruptions in benefits, but it highlights ongoing congressional oversight of VA fiscal policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-08: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-04-07: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-04-07: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1439)
- 2025-04-07: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1439)
- 2025-04-07: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 877.
- 2025-04-07: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1439)
- 2025-04-07: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Deliver for Veterans Act — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (4 pages)
- Deliver for Veterans Act — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (2 pages)
- Deliver for Veterans Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (2 pages)