GUARD VA Benefits Act

Summary

On March 5, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing to examine three related proposals addressing how veterans can obtain assistance with VA benefits claims. The hearing focused on H.R. 1732, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, which would reinstate penalties for individuals charging unauthorized fees to veterans seeking VA benefits, and H.R. 1656, the PLUS for Veterans Act, which would allow accredited agents and attorneys to charge limited fees for assisting with initial VA claims while also imposing penalties for violations of representation laws. Witnesses included representatives from veterans advocacy organizations, benefits consulting firms, and members of Congress. Lieutenant Colonel William Taylor of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting testified, as did Josh Smith of Veteran Benefits Guide, Pat Murray of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Peter O'Rourke of the National Association for Veterans Rights, and Diane Boyd Rauber of the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates. Representatives Chris Pappas and Jack Bergman, both sponsors of the legislation, also participated in the hearing. The hearing addressed a central tension in veterans benefits policy: protecting veterans from predatory practices while allowing them greater choice in selecting representatives to help with claims. Current law prohibits companies from charging fees for assistance with initial claims, limiting veterans' options. The proposed legislation aims to balance these concerns by allowing accredited practitioners to charge reasonable fees while establishing stronger penalties for unaccredited individuals who charge unauthorized fees. The hearing did not result in immediate action on the bills; further committee consideration would be required before either measure could advance to a House vote.

Video

Witnesses(7)

Name	Position	Organization
Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" TaylorVeterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting	Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer	Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Mr. Josh SmithVeteran Benefits Guide	Chief Executive Officer	Veteran Benefits Guide
Mr. Pat MurrayVeterans of Foreign Wars	Director, National Legislative Service	Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mr. Peter O'RourkeNational Association for Veterans Rights	President	National Association for Veterans Rights
Ms. Diane Boyd RauberNational Organization of Veterans' Advocates	Executive Director	National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
The Honorable Chris Pappas	Member of Congress
The Honorable Jack Bergman	Member of Congress

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Mar 27, 2025

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged

Mar 18, 2026

Committee Hearings Held

Mar 18, 2026

HearingHouseHearing4 witnesses

Mar 18, 2026 · 10:15

H.R: 6733, the “VISN Reform Act of 2025”; H.R.6580, the “VA National Formulary Act of 2025”; H.R.6755, the “Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.6599, the “Leasing and Infrastructure Act of 2025”; H.R.6583, the “Research Reform Act of 2025”; H.R. 6549, the “VA Contracting and Procurement Act”; H.R.6740, the “VA TRUST Act”; H.R. 6764, the “Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025”; H.R. 6904, the “Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act of 2025”; H.R. 6843, the “Establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act of 2025”; H.R. 6861, the “Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act”; H.R. 6833, the “Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025”; H.R.2303, the “Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act”; H.R.210, the “Dental Care for Veterans Act”; H.R.3183, the “SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.5203, “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes”; H.R.4114, the “EVEST Act”; H.R.3869, the “Every Veteran Housed Act”; H.R.1732, the “GUARD VA Benefits Act”; H.R.2722, the “VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act”; H.R.1391, the “Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025”; H.R.4876, the “Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act”; Discussion Draft, the “Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act”; Discussion Draft: the “Toxic Exposure Advisory Committee Establishment Act”; Discussion Draft, “To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure of the Department of Veterans Affair”; Discussion Draft: the “Honor Vets Act”; Discussion Draft, “To provide for the modernization of the electronic health record system and other health information technology activities and systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes

Committee

Summary

On March 18, 2026, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a comprehensive legislative hearing on more than 20 bills designed to reauthorize and reform Department of Veterans Affairs programs. The bills addressed diverse veteran needs including dental care expansion, housing assistance, employment services, mental health support, and administrative reforms. Committee Chairman Mike Bost sought to establish a "must-pass" annual authorization process for the VA similar to the National Defense Authorization Act, citing that Congress had allowed 18 authorization laws for the VA to expire, with over $122 billion in department expenditures lacking current authorization. VA officials including Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health Dr. Thomas O'Toole, Acting Under Secretary for Benefits Margarita Devlin, and Chief Acquisition Officer Phil Christy testified on behalf of the department. While VA officials expressed support for congressional oversight and the intent behind many proposals, they raised concerns about implementation, resource requirements, and maintaining operational flexibility. The VA cautioned that comprehensive legislation could disrupt benefits and services, preferring alternative oversight mechanisms. Key themes emerged around accountability and responsiveness. Members from both parties expressed frustration with the VA's responsiveness to congressional inquiries and oversight requests. Proposed reforms included centralized acquisition authority, stronger oversight mechanisms, standardized processes, and expanded access to care. The hearing also highlighted specific challenges including attorney retention at the Board of Veterans' Appeals, care gaps for justice-involved veterans, and fragmented transition services for separating service members. The hearing did not result in immediate legislative action. While the committee advanced discussion of these reform proposals, a hearing alone does not guarantee that any bills will advance to a vote or become law.

Video

Witnesses(4)

Name	Position	Organization
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Mr. Phil ChristyOffice of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Chief Acquisition Officer	Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Ms. Margarita DevlinVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Under Secretary for Benefits	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

HearingHouseHearing7 witnesses

Mar 5, 2025 · 15:15

Legislative Hearing on: Discussion Draft, Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act; Discussion Draft, Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2025; and Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Committee

Summary

Video

Witnesses(7)

Name	Position	Organization
Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" TaylorVeterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting	Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer	Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Mr. Josh SmithVeteran Benefits Guide	Chief Executive Officer	Veteran Benefits Guide
Mr. Pat MurrayVeterans of Foreign Wars	Director, National Legislative Service	Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mr. Peter O'RourkeNational Association for Veterans Rights	President	National Association for Veterans Rights
Ms. Diane Boyd RauberNational Organization of Veterans' Advocates	Executive Director	National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
The Honorable Chris Pappas	Member of Congress
The Honorable Jack Bergman	Member of Congress

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Mar 27, 2025

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged

Mar 18, 2026

Committee Hearings Held

Mar 18, 2026

HearingHouseHearing4 witnesses

Mar 18, 2026 · 10:15

H.R: 6733, the “VISN Reform Act of 2025”; H.R.6580, the “VA National Formulary Act of 2025”; H.R.6755, the “Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.6599, the “Leasing and Infrastructure Act of 2025”; H.R.6583, the “Research Reform Act of 2025”; H.R. 6549, the “VA Contracting and Procurement Act”; H.R.6740, the “VA TRUST Act”; H.R. 6764, the “Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025”; H.R. 6904, the “Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act of 2025”; H.R. 6843, the “Establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act of 2025”; H.R. 6861, the “Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act”; H.R. 6833, the “Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025”; H.R.2303, the “Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act”; H.R.210, the “Dental Care for Veterans Act”; H.R.3183, the “SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.5203, “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes”; H.R.4114, the “EVEST Act”; H.R.3869, the “Every Veteran Housed Act”; H.R.1732, the “GUARD VA Benefits Act”; H.R.2722, the “VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act”; H.R.1391, the “Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025”; H.R.4876, the “Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act”; Discussion Draft, the “Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act”; Discussion Draft: the “Toxic Exposure Advisory Committee Establishment Act”; Discussion Draft, “To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure of the Department of Veterans Affair”; Discussion Draft: the “Honor Vets Act”; Discussion Draft, “To provide for the modernization of the electronic health record system and other health information technology activities and systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes

Committee

Summary

Video

Witnesses(4)

Name	Position	Organization
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Mr. Phil ChristyOffice of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Chief Acquisition Officer	Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Ms. Margarita DevlinVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Under Secretary for Benefits	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

HearingHouseHearing7 witnesses

Mar 5, 2025 · 15:15

Legislative Hearing on: Discussion Draft, Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act; Discussion Draft, Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2025; and Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Committee

Summary

Video

Witnesses(7)

Name	Position	Organization
Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" TaylorVeterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting	Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer	Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Mr. Josh SmithVeteran Benefits Guide	Chief Executive Officer	Veteran Benefits Guide
Mr. Pat MurrayVeterans of Foreign Wars	Director, National Legislative Service	Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mr. Peter O'RourkeNational Association for Veterans Rights	President	National Association for Veterans Rights
Ms. Diane Boyd RauberNational Organization of Veterans' Advocates	Executive Director	National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
The Honorable Chris Pappas	Member of Congress
The Honorable Jack Bergman	Member of Congress

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Mar 27, 2025

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged

Mar 18, 2026

Committee Hearings Held

Mar 18, 2026

HearingHouseHearing4 witnesses

Mar 18, 2026 · 10:15

H.R: 6733, the “VISN Reform Act of 2025”; H.R.6580, the “VA National Formulary Act of 2025”; H.R.6755, the “Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.6599, the “Leasing and Infrastructure Act of 2025”; H.R.6583, the “Research Reform Act of 2025”; H.R. 6549, the “VA Contracting and Procurement Act”; H.R.6740, the “VA TRUST Act”; H.R. 6764, the “Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025”; H.R. 6904, the “Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act of 2025”; H.R. 6843, the “Establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act of 2025”; H.R. 6861, the “Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act”; H.R. 6833, the “Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025”; H.R.2303, the “Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act”; H.R.210, the “Dental Care for Veterans Act”; H.R.3183, the “SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.5203, “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes”; H.R.4114, the “EVEST Act”; H.R.3869, the “Every Veteran Housed Act”; H.R.1732, the “GUARD VA Benefits Act”; H.R.2722, the “VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act”; H.R.1391, the “Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025”; H.R.4876, the “Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act”; Discussion Draft, the “Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act”; Discussion Draft: the “Toxic Exposure Advisory Committee Establishment Act”; Discussion Draft, “To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure of the Department of Veterans Affair”; Discussion Draft: the “Honor Vets Act”; Discussion Draft, “To provide for the modernization of the electronic health record system and other health information technology activities and systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes

Committee

Summary

Video

Witnesses(4)

Name	Position	Organization
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Dr. Thomas O'TooleVeterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services	Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Mr. Phil ChristyOffice of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Chief Acquisition Officer	Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Ms. Margarita DevlinVeterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Acting Under Secretary for Benefits	Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

HearingHouseHearing7 witnesses

Mar 5, 2025 · 15:15

Legislative Hearing on: Discussion Draft, Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act; Discussion Draft, Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2025; and Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Committee

Summary

Video

Witnesses(7)

Name	Position	Organization
Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" TaylorVeterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting	Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer	Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Mr. Josh SmithVeteran Benefits Guide	Chief Executive Officer	Veteran Benefits Guide
Mr. Pat MurrayVeterans of Foreign Wars	Director, National Legislative Service	Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mr. Peter O'RourkeNational Association for Veterans Rights	President	National Association for Veterans Rights
Ms. Diane Boyd RauberNational Organization of Veterans' Advocates	Executive Director	National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
The Honorable Chris Pappas	Member of Congress
The Honorable Jack Bergman	Member of Congress

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Mar 27, 2025

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged

Mar 18, 2026

Committee Hearings Held

Mar 18, 2026

HearingHouseHearing4 witnesses

Mar 18, 2026 · 10:15

H.R: 6733, the “VISN Reform Act of 2025”; H.R.6580, the “VA National Formulary Act of 2025”; H.R.6755, the “Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.6599, the “Leasing and Infrastructure Act of 2025”; H.R.6583, the “Research Reform Act of 2025”; H.R. 6549, the “VA Contracting and Procurement Act”; H.R.6740, the “VA TRUST Act”; H.R. 6764, the “Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025”; H.R. 6904, the “Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act of 2025”; H.R. 6843, the “Establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act of 2025”; H.R. 6861, the “Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act”; H.R. 6833, the “Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025”; H.R.2303, the “Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act”; H.R.210, the “Dental Care for Veterans Act”; H.R.3183, the “SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025”; H.R.5203, “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes”; H.R.4114, the “EVEST Act”; H.R.3869, the “Every Veteran Housed Act”; H.R.1732, the “GUARD VA Benefits Act”; H.R.2722, the “VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act”; H.R.1391, the “Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025”; H.R.4876, the “Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act”; Discussion Draft, the “Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act”; Discussion Draft: the “Toxic Exposure Advisory Committee Establishment Act”; Discussion Draft, “To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure of the Department of Veterans Affair”; Discussion Draft: the “Honor Vets Act”; Discussion Draft, “To provide for the modernization of the electronic health record system and other health information technology activities and systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes

Committee