House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Advances Bipartisan Legislation Amid Funding Controversy

Bipartisan Progress on Veterans’ Affairs: House Committee Advances Key Legislation Amid Controversy

February 12, 2026 | WASHINGTON — In a significant move for veterans’ rights, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs convened today, advancing several crucial bills aimed at enhancing the lives of veterans and their families. Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) expressed optimism about the bipartisan support for four of the five bills discussed, highlighting the committee’s commitment to improving veteran caregiver experiences and access to essential services.

“Today’s markup showcased our dedication to veterans,” Takano stated. “We supported legislation to strengthen caregiver support, improve VA patient scheduling, and enhance the quality of advisory committees. However, we could not back H.R. 6047 due to its troubling funding mechanism, which unfairly taxes American veterans.”

The contentious H.R. 6047, known as the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, aims to increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for veterans and their families. While the intent of the bill received support, the proposed funding—through increased fees on veterans refinancing their home loans—sparked fierce opposition from committee Democrats.

Takano emphasized, “We cannot charge veterans thousands of dollars to fund benefits for others. The nation they served should bear this cost, not them.” He urged Republican leaders, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House, to seek responsible funding solutions that do not penalize veterans.

Among the four bipartisan bills that passed were:

1. H.R. 2148, Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act: This legislation aims to provide essential support for veteran caregivers transitioning out of VA programs, including bereavement counseling and employment assistance.

2. H.R. 3726, Fisher House Availability Act of 2025: Expanding lodging availability at Fisher Houses, this bill ensures that servicemembers and their families have a supportive place to stay during medical care.

3. H.R. 3482, Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act: This bill seeks to streamline the patient scheduling experience within the VA, enhancing accountability and data collection.

4. H.R. 785, Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025: This legislation mandates the appointment of representatives from State Veterans Homes to the VA’s advisory committee, ensuring that the needs of veterans in long-term care are adequately addressed.

As discussions continue, the committee remains focused on advocating for veterans’ rights and ensuring that any proposed benefits do not come at the expense of those who have served. The path forward remains uncertain, but the commitment to supporting veterans is clear.

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