TAP Promotion Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3938
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T19:42:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation, known as the TAP Promotion Act, aims to enhance the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by authorizing veterans service organizations (VSOs) to participate in standardized presentations that promote benefits available to veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during preseparation counseling for service members.
Key Provisions
- Amends section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, by adding a new paragraph (20) that requires a standardized presentation on VA benefits.
- The presentation must be reviewed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with VSOs involved in the benefits delivery at discharge program.
- It must be submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs for review at least 90 days before implementation.
- Where available, the presentation includes participation from a representative of a VSO recognized under section 5902 of title 38 or an authorized individual under section 5903.
- It must include information on how VSOs can assist with filing claims and may not encourage joining any specific VSO.
- The presentation is limited to one hour in duration.
- Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs detailing participating VSOs, attendance numbers, and any recommendations for changes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new requirements for VA benefit presentations within the existing TAP preseparation counseling framework under title 10. It adds explicit authorization and guidelines for VSO involvement, along with oversight mechanisms such as committee review and annual reporting, which were not previously mandated in this section.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, with added administrative responsibilities for approval, submission, and reporting processes.
- On citizens: Provides transitioning service members with more direct access to information about veterans' benefits and claims assistance through VSOs.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Transitioning members of the Armed Forces and their families.
- Veterans service organizations and their representatives.
- The Department of Defense (responsible for TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (responsible for benefit presentations and approvals).
- Congressional committees on Veterans' Affairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill operates within established congressional authority over military and veterans' affairs under Article I of the Constitution. It imposes procedural safeguards, such as committee review and restrictions against promoting specific organizations, to ensure neutrality and standardization without altering broader constitutional structures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Cosponsors (30)
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-02-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- TAP Promotion Act — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (4 pages)