S.Amdt. 4377

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Padilla, proposes to add the End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2026 to bill H.R. 6644. Its purpose is to change how the government provides housing assistance and case management to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Case Management Changes: It requires the Secretary to prioritize vulnerable homeless veterans, including those with chronic physical disabilities, chronic substance abuse disorders, or chronic mental illness. It also specifies that case management is for veterans determined to require it.

• HUD-VASH Program Updates: It expands rental assistance to veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or currently in another housing program if a voucher is more appropriate. It protects veterans from having rental assistance revoked or being evicted if they refuse case management or if case management is suspended for health and safety reasons. It also allows vouchers to be used by veterans who do not require case management.

• Funding and Administration: It authorizes funds for administrative fee payments to public housing agencies to help with voucher leasing, including costs like security deposit assistance.

• Accountability and Reporting: It mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development regarding HUD-VASH program data, such as voucher usage, staffing ratios, and barriers to using vouchers. Additionally, it requires a report from the Comptroller General of the United States on the demographics of served veterans, case manager qualifications, and housing stability metrics.