Bills · HR 7950
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7950Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementCongressional-executive branch relations
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
INTRO MAR 16· LAST ACTION MAY 14
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to make the Department of Veterans Affairs more accountable and transparent to Congress. When Congress can get timely and accurate information from the VA, it can do a better job of overseeing how the department serves veterans, identify problems, and create effective new laws. Without clear communication channels and deadlines, getting crucial information can be slow or incomplete, hindering lawmakers' ability to address veterans' needs.
If this bill becomes law, it would establish a formal structure to streamline how the VA communicates with the legislative branch, potentially leading to quicker resolution of issues and more informed decisions about veterans' care and benefits. If it doesn't pass, the VA's current methods of congressional engagement would remain, which some might argue are less efficient or transparent, potentially leaving Congress less equipped to advocate for veterans effectively.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a new Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
This formalizes and centralizes how the VA communicates with Congress, creating a single point of contact for legislative matters.
PROVISION 02
Mandates specific roles for political appointees (legislative strategy) and career employees (congressional operations) within the new office, with at least 65% career staff.
This aims to separate political influence from the administrative process of providing information to Congress, ensuring professional and consistent responses.
PROVISION 03
Sets strict deadlines for the VA to respond to congressional information requests, ranging from 2 business days for acknowledgement to 45-60 days for full production of materials.
These deadlines are crucial for improving the timeliness and efficiency of congressional oversight, ensuring lawmakers get information when they need it.
PROVISION 04
Prohibits VA officials from withholding, altering, or delaying requested information, and specifies that underlying records, not just summaries, must be provided.
This ensures transparency and prevents the VA from selectively providing information, giving Congress a complete picture.
PROVISION 05
Imposes a penalty that prohibits the new office from spending money on salaries and expenses if it fails to comply with congressional response timelines.
This provision provides a strong incentive for the VA to adhere to the established communication rules and deadlines.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
57
ACTION TIMELINE
18 EVENTSMAY 14
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
MAY 14
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
APR 15
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
APR 15
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7950
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedMar 16, 2026
Last actionMay 14, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 16, 2026
House BillHR 7950Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementCongressional-executive branch relations
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCED MAR 16, 2026· LAST ACTION MAY 14, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
