SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 9105
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-02: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-06-30T08:07:09Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 9105 – SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Purpose

This legislation aims to protect veterans from unauthorized fees and fraudulent practices when filing claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It reinstates criminal penalties for charging such fees and strengthens oversight of individuals assisting with claims.

Key Provisions

Reinstatement of Penalties: Amends Section 5905 of title 38, United States Code, to impose fines, up to one year in prison, or both, on anyone soliciting or receiving unauthorized fees for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA benefit claims. Violators face a one-year bar from recognition after the first offense and a 10-year bar after subsequent offenses.
Accreditation Requirements: Prohibits assistance with claims unless the person is recognized by the VA or works under direct supervision of an accredited agent or attorney. Excludes medical opinions or expert reports from this definition.
Claimant Notifications: Requires the VA to notify unrepresented claimants about available accredited assistance, provide links to an online list of accredited or barred individuals, and allow reporting of unaccredited representatives.
Website and Form Updates: Mandates warnings on VA websites and forms about fees, discourages sharing login credentials, and adds questions about whether claimants were charged for assistance.
Accreditation System: Directs the VA to create a reliable online system for recognizing agents and attorneys, handling complaints, and integrating with other VA tools.
Call Restrictions: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to ban automated calls to federal agency phone numbers, including the VA, unless operated by the relevant individual or entity.
Rulemaking and Reporting: Requires the VA to start rulemaking within 90 days, submit budget estimates for oversight, and complete a review of accreditation processes with recommendations to Congress within 180 days.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Restores criminal penalties under Section 5905 that previously lacked enforcement mechanisms for fee violations.
Expands VA authority to supersede state laws on agent recognition and fee agreements for VA claims.
Introduces new requirements for online tools, warnings, and data collection on unaccredited assistance, building on Sections 5103A and 5901.
Adds restrictions on automated calls targeting federal agencies.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases administrative burdens on the VA, including system development, quarterly list updates, complaint handling, and staffing for enforcement; may require additional resources as noted in budget submissions.
Citizens: Enhances protections for veterans by promoting accredited help and deterring fraud, potentially reducing financial exploitation during claims processes.
International Relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Veterans and other claimants filing for VA benefits.
Accredited veterans service organizations, agents, and attorneys.
Unaccredited individuals or entities providing claim assistance.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, including its General Counsel and Chief Veterans Experience Officer.
Congress, through required reports and oversight.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Establishes federal preemption over state laws regarding VA claim representation, potentially limiting state-level regulations.
Focuses on consumer protection within federal benefits administration without apparent constitutional conflicts, as it regulates conduct tied to federal programs.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

Recent Actions

2026-06-02: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-06-02: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-06-02: Introduced in House
2026-06-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding Veterans Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (12 pages)