Bill · H.R. 10590· House(119-HR-10590)
Veteran Owner-Builders Rights Act
To establish a pilot program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes.
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Marie Perez
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a pilot program run by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to give direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas. These loans are specifically for buying land and building a new home to live in. The loans come with a one percent interest rate and require veterans to use specific blueprints and domestically sourced wood products. Veterans must agree to live in the home as their primary residence for at least 24 consecutive months. The bill also provides technical assistance and training for veterans taking part in the program.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+8
The legislation directly aids veterans by offering low-interest housing construction loans, permit fee payments, and hands-on technical assistance in rural areas.
Does this make housing cost less?+7
The bill establishes a direct housing loan program with a low 1 percent interest rate to help veterans build affordable new homes in rural areas.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The legislation creates a new direct loan and technical assistance pilot program specifically designed to help veterans build homes in rural areas.
The opposite
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-2
Encouraging new residential construction in rural areas can lead to increased land clearing and localized environmental disturbance.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to fund the pilot program for direct housing loans.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(a) establishes a direct housing loan program for veterans in rural areas to purchase land and construct new homes. This gives veterans financial support to build their own residences.
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Section 2(e)(2) requires the Secretary to pay the fee for construction permits that use the provided blueprints. This relieves veterans of the financial burden of paying permit fees.
-
Section 2(g) directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, which may include training on construction and repair skills and help with permit applications. This ensures veterans receive hands-on support during the building process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(h) requires loan acceleration, meaning the entire unpaid loan balance and accrued interest become immediately due and payable, if a veteran sells, transfers, or leases the home before finishing the required 24-month occupancy period. This could severely burden veterans who face unexpected life changes not covered by the listed exceptions.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+8Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Middle Aged+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers+3Good For Seniors+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+7Reduces Homelessness+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6Reduces Carbon Emissions-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+2
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Bruce WestermanRepublican · Arkansas