Veterans

The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 creates a competitive grant program to help colleges and universities support high-need students, such as those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college attendees, and military-connected individuals. Under this bill, the Department of Education would award funds to eligible institutions for six years to implement specific, evidence-based strategies aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates. Applicants must submit detailed plans outlining how they will use these funds for services like academic advising, career coaching, and emergency financial assistance, with a requirement to include at least one highly proven reform practice. Additionally, the law sets aside a portion of the funding specifically for Tribal Colleges and Universities and mandates an independent evaluation to measure the program's effectiveness in increasing student success.

The Take Care of America's Veterans Act is a comprehensive legislative bill designed to improve benefits, healthcare access, and administrative efficiency for veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill directly affects veterans, their families, healthcare providers, and VA employees by amending federal laws to expand compensation rates, simplify claims processes, and enhance medical services. Key mechanisms include increasing disability compensation for wartime veterans and survivors, revising disability rating schedules for conditions like sleep apnea and tinnitus, and establishing new grant programs for mental health and traumatic brain injury research. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of a Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission, requires the development of a prosthetic and rehabilitative items formulary, and expands access to care through pilot programs involving critical access hospitals and coordination with Medicare. The act also introduces stricter oversight for claims adjudication, requires timely reporting of veteran deaths, and authorizes funding for various infrastructure and technology improvements within the VA.

This resolution designates the second Friday of June as National Service and Conservation Corps Day to honor the work of over 140 organizations that engage young adults and veterans in community and environmental projects. These programs, which are descendants of the Civilian Conservation Corps, provide participants with skills training, stipends, and opportunities to work on conservation, disaster response, and infrastructure improvements. The bill formally recognizes the contributions of these groups and encourages citizens to value civic engagement as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Veteran Headstone Honor Act creates a tax credit for private cemeteries that attach official veteran headstone medallions to deceased individuals' markers. This financial incentive allows eligible cemeteries to claim a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their federal income tax liability for the specific costs of affixing these medallions. To receive the credit, the cemetery must certify to the IRS that the medallion has been installed and provide an itemized statement of the expenses incurred. The legislation applies to medallions defined under existing federal law and takes effect for expenses paid or incurred after the bill is enacted.

The Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 establishes a process to identify military veterans who served at specific locations in Nevada and other facilities known for toxic exposure. This legislation creates a registry to collect health data from these veterans and mandates a study to analyze the link between their service and potential illnesses like cancer. By amending existing laws, the bill presumes that veterans who served in these areas were exposed to toxic substances, which simplifies the process for them to receive medical benefits and compensation. Additionally, the act requires the Department of Defense to classify these sites as contaminated and share service records with the Department of Veterans Affairs to support claims.

This resolution supports designating the second Friday in June as National Service and Conservation Corps Day to honor the work of over 140 organizations that engage young adults and veterans in community service projects. These programs, which are descendants of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps, help participants gain skills, earn education awards, and contribute to conservation, disaster response, and infrastructure improvements. The Senate's action calls on citizens to recognize the value of national service and encourages the continued expansion of these existing nonprofit and government-run initiatives.

The Maternal Health for Veterans Act establishes a new program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate maternity care for enrolled veterans from the start of pregnancy through 12 months after birth. This initiative requires the VA to systematically track mental health screenings, implement performance goals to improve care quality, and provide specialized training to community providers regarding the unique needs of veterans with service-related mental or behavioral health conditions. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports detailing maternal health outcomes, such as mortality and severe morbidity, broken down by demographics like race, disability status, and rural residence to address specific disparities. The legislation also updates legal definitions for terms like "maternal mortality" and repeals a previous section of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act to align with these new requirements.

The Restore Military Families' Voices Act prohibits landlords of privatized military housing from asking tenants or prospective tenants to sign nondisclosure agreements regarding their living conditions. It expands protections against retaliation by allowing tenants to report issues to the Department of Defense, the Chief Housing Officer, inspectors general, and members of Congress without fear of reprisal. The bill also requires inspectors general to notify relevant military leaders and congressional committees within 10 business days after receiving a retaliation report. These changes directly affect service members and their families living in privately managed housing units on military bases.

The VA Emergency Transportation Act expands the types of care the Department of Veterans Affairs can reimburse for veterans by formally including emergency transportation alongside emergency treatment. Specifically, the bill allows the VA to pay for ambulance or air ambulance rides provided by non-VA providers that transport a veteran to a facility for emergency care or from a non-VA facility to a VA or other federal facility. This change updates existing laws to ensure that transportation costs are covered when they are part of the necessary emergency services furnished to a veteran.

This resolution expresses support for designating June 12, 2026, as Women Veterans Appreciation Day to honor the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and National Guard. The text highlights the historical contributions and growing numbers of female veterans, noting that they now make up a significant portion of active duty and reserve personnel. By officially recognizing this date, the House aims to acknowledge the unique stories and dedication of these service members without imposing new laws or funding requirements.