Veteran Scam Victims Foundation Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8841
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-15T20:05:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes the Veteran Scam Victims Foundation to accept private gifts and conduct activities that prevent veterans and their beneficiaries from falling victim to scams. It focuses on education and support for scam victims but explicitly excludes any compensation for monetary losses.
Key Provisions
- Creates the Foundation as a charitable, nonprofit corporation under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, separate from any U.S. government agency.
- Forms a Board of Directors consisting of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (or designee) as Chair, six private citizens appointed by the Secretaries of Commerce and Defense, the Attorney General, the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Administrator of the Social Security Administration, plus up to three additional private citizens appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- Sets six-year terms for private citizen members, with initial terms staggered to ensure continuity.
- Grants the Foundation authority to accept, manage, and dispose of gifts, property, and income for its purposes, subject to consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Provides tax exemptions from federal, state, and local taxes, allows limited contributions to local governments, and treats donations to the Foundation as donations to the United States.
- Requires an annual report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations detailing activities, receipts, expenditures, and investments.
- Limits the Foundation's ability to accept gifts that would require spending beyond its own resources and prohibits U.S. government liability for the Foundation's actions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a new Chapter 84 to Title 38 of the United States Code, immediately following Chapter 83, to create this specialized foundation focused on scam prevention for veterans.
- Introduces a new independent entity with powers similar to a trust company in the District of Columbia, including perpetual succession, the ability to sue and be sued, and contract authority.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs gains a role in Board leadership and may provide services or facilities (with or without reimbursement), while other agencies (Commerce, Defense, Justice, FTC, IRS, and SSA) participate through Board appointments.
- Citizens: Veterans and their beneficiaries may receive targeted education and support regarding scams, though no direct financial compensation is available.
- International relations: No provisions address international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and their beneficiaries.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Federal agencies involved in Board appointments.
- Private donors and the Foundation's Board members.
- Congressional committees responsible for oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The Foundation operates as a private nonprofit but receives tax treatment and donation status equivalent to a federal entity, while remaining shielded from direct U.S. government liability.
- Board membership does not count as a federal office, and members serve without compensation (only expense reimbursement).
- Activities must align with Department of Veterans Affairs programs through required consultation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Veteran Scam Victims Foundation Act — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (11 pages)