Bill · S. 1644· Senate(119-S-1644)
Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act
- Introduced
- 5/7/2025
- Last activity
- 5/7/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act" changes how the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides home improvements and structural alterations for disabled veterans. It increases the funding amounts available for these services. Specifically, it sets a $10,000 limit for those applying after the act's enactment and $6,800 for those whose non-service-connected disability later becomes service-connected. The bill also creates a yearly inflation adjustment based on the residential home cost of construction index. Finally, it limits the Secretary to providing no more than three such improvements to a veteran.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
Directly increases funding and provides inflation adjustments for disabled veterans' home modifications.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
Provides significantly higher funding for accessibility alterations in the home.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+8
Significantly increases the funding limit for home structural alterations for disabled veterans.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill increases the funding limits for veteran home alterations.
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?-1
Increases spending on veterans' benefits.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
Increased funding for home improvements likely increases government spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Funding for Home Alterations: Veterans applying on or after the date of enactment can receive up to $10,000 for improvements, which is a higher amount than previously provided. (Section 2(a)(2)(B))
-
Support for Changed Disability Status: Veterans who originally applied for benefits for a non-service-connected disability that is later determined to be service-connected can receive $6,800. (Section 2(a)(2)(A))
-
Protection Against Inflation: The dollar amounts for benefits will increase every fiscal year based on the residential home cost of construction index, ensuring the funds keep up with rising costs. (Section 2(b)(2))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limit on Number of Improvements: The Secretary is prohibited from providing more than three improvements or structural alterations to a single veteran. (Section 2(b)(4))
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No Additional Benefits for Prior Users: Veterans who already used up their eligibility for benefits under section 1717 before this act becomes law cannot get more benefits under these new amendments. (Section 2(c))
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+9Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+6Improves Affordable Housing+2Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+8Reduces Military Spending-1
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-1
- 2/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/29/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BoozmanRepublican · Arkansas
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii