A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 103
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 50. Record Vote Number: 72.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T14:42:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 103) aims to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on reproductive health services. It uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that allows Congress to review and overturn certain federal agency regulations shortly after they are finalized, to prevent the rule from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: The resolution explicitly disapproves the VA rule titled "Reproductive Health Services," published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 61310).
- No Force or Effect: If enacted, the rule would be nullified and could not be implemented by the VA.
- Legislative Process: Introduced by Senator Blumenthal and multiple co-sponsors on January 27, 2026; referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs but discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c) on February 12, 2026, and placed on the Senate calendar for a vote.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend statutes but invokes the CRA to block a new VA regulation before it can shape policy.
- It would reverse the VA's attempt to expand or clarify reproductive health services (such as access to abortion, contraception, or related care for veterans), maintaining prior VA policies without the changes proposed in the rule.
- Under the CRA, once disapproved, the rule cannot be reissued in substantially the same form without new congressional authorization.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA would be prohibited from enforcing the rule, potentially requiring it to revert to existing guidelines on reproductive health care, which could limit or delay service expansions.
- On Citizens: Veterans, particularly female veterans or those needing reproductive health services (e.g., abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment), might face restricted access through VA facilities, affecting healthcare options for military personnel and dependents.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. military recruitment and retention abroad by signaling domestic policy on veterans' care.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and VA Beneficiaries: Primary group, as the rule likely aimed to improve access to reproductive health services; disapproval could hinder care for women veterans.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Directly impacted, as it loses authority to implement the rule and may need to adjust operations and resources.
- Congress and Policymakers: Senators and representatives involved in veterans' affairs, with the resolution supported by a large group of Democratic senators, highlighting partisan divides on reproductive rights.
- Healthcare Providers and Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on women's health, veterans' rights, and reproductive justice (e.g., Planned Parenthood or veterans' associations) could see altered service delivery.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), which provides a fast-track mechanism for Congress to check executive branch rulemaking; successful passage requires simple majorities in both chambers and presidential signature (or veto override).
- Constitutional: Reinforces separation of powers by allowing legislative oversight of agency actions, but could spark debates on federal authority over healthcare, especially post-Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022 Supreme Court decision limiting abortion rights).
- Political: Reflects ongoing congressional efforts to influence VA policies on sensitive issues like reproductive health amid national debates on abortion access; the broad co-sponsorship (over 30 senators) indicates strong partisan support, potentially affecting future VA rulemaking and electoral dynamics.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Cosponsors (39)
Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 50. Record Vote Number: 72. (Roll call 72)
- 2026-03-25: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S1609)
- 2026-02-12: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 338.
- 2026-02-12: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-02-12: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-01-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to Reproductive Health Services. — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (1 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to Reproductive Health Services. — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (4 pages)