Bill · H.R. 8010· House(119-HR-8010)
VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/19/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026," aims to stop the downgrading of law enforcement positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It prohibits any official or agency from proposing or carrying out a downgrade for any covered VA position. The law also prevents the use of Federal funds for such downgrades. Additionally, it includes provisions to reverse any downgrades that occurred between October 1, 2025, and the date the Act is enacted. Affected employees would be returned to their previous status and receive any pay they were entitled to.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill directly protects the job status and pay of law enforcement professionals within the VA system.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
By protecting law enforcement positions, the bill supports the safety and security of the VA healthcare environment for veterans.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
Maintaining specialized law enforcement staff contributes to the overall security and benefit administration for veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Law Enforcement Positions: The bill prohibits officials or agencies from initiating a position downgrade for law enforcement functions, whether the role is permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time, or intermittent (Section 2(a) and 2(c)(1)).
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Restoration of Status and Pay: Any position downgraded between October 1, 2025, and the date of enactment will be returned to its prior status (Section 2(b)).
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Financial Recovery for Employees: Employees who occupied positions subjected to a downgrade during the specified period will receive all pay they otherwise would have been entitled to (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the provided text.
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+6Good For Union Workers+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- 6/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/15/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3/25/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
John LarsonDemocrat · Connecticut