HR 1286 United States House · 119th Congress

Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act

HR 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to simplify forms sent to veterans filing claims. Within 30 days of enactment, the VA must hire an independent research center (FFRDC) to assess these forms, working with veterans' groups, legal experts, and the VA itself. The VA must then report the assessment to Congress within 90 days and implement approved changes - like clearer language or better organization - within two years. This directly affects veterans navigating VA claims by aiming to reduce confusion in the application process.

Issues: ✓ Veterans

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

May 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Senate Passage

President

Introduced Feb 13, 2025 Last action May 20, 2025

Floor votes · House May 19, 2025

How they voted

386–1

Passed · 45 other

Total votes 432

May 19, 2025

D Democratic213

192 Yea 21

90% Yea

I Independent1

1 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican218

193 Yea 1 Nay 24

88% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 20, 2025

Committee

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

upper

May 19, 2025

Introduced

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)

lower

May 19, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)

lower

May 19, 2025

Introduced

Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

lower

May 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.

lower

May 6, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

lower

Apr 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

lower

Apr 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

lower

Mar 26, 2025

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee Hearings Held

lower

Mar 14, 2025

Committee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 18 co-sponsors