Bill · H.R. 785· House(119-HR-785)
Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/28/2025
- Last activity
- 4/2/2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 498.
- Sponsored by
- Jennifer Kiggans
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 11
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026," seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code. The primary goal is to change the membership requirements for the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It replaces the requirement for at least one representative of a national veterans service organization with a more diverse group of representatives. This new group would include a national veterans service organization representative, an individual who has served veterans or families in a State home, and a licensed nursing home administrator.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+6
The bill provides better representation and professional expertise for senior veterans receiving geriatric care.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill enhances the advisory process for veteran geriatric care by including more specialized stakeholders.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
The bill enhances veteran healthcare oversight by diversifying the advisory committee with expertise in State homes and nursing home administration.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Representation for State Home Families: By requiring at least one individual who has served veterans or families of veterans in a State home, the bill ensures these specific groups have a voice on the committee (Section 2).
-
Professional Expertise in Care: The inclusion of an individual who holds a professional license in nursing home administration adds specific professional expertise to the advisory committee (Section 2).
-
Diverse Perspectives: The amendment expands the committee's composition to include those who represent national veterans service organizations, people with experience in State homes, and licensed nursing home administrators (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduction of Specific Organizational Representation: The bill strikes the specific requirement that the committee must include "at least one representative of a national veterans service organization," replacing it with a broader requirement that includes a representative of such an organization alongside other specific roles (Section 2).
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 Seniors+6Good For Veterans+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+4
- 4/2/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-578.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 498.
- 2/12/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2026
- Subcommittee on Health Discharged
- 2/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/12/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 6/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/31/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/13/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tom BarrettRepublican · Michigan
Sheri BiggsRepublican · South Carolina
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho
Andrew GarbarinoRepublican · New York
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Laura GillenDemocrat · New York
Marcy KapturDemocrat · Ohio
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Nick LaLotaRepublican · New York
Grace MengDemocrat · New York
Burgess OwensRepublican · Utah
Marilyn StricklandDemocrat · Washington
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
David TaylorRepublican · Ohio
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia