Fisher House Availability Act of 2026
Fisher House Access for Military Families
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill allows military members and their families who use TRICARE health insurance to stay at VA temporary lodging, like Fisher Houses, if there is extra room. Currently, these houses are primarily reserved for veterans getting care at VA hospitals.
- The change helps families who have to travel long distances for medical care at non-VA facilities. It lets them stay close to their loved ones without having to pay for expensive hotels, as long as the rooms are not already being used by veterans.
- Family members or people providing support to a TRICARE patient would also be allowed to stay. This ensures that patients have the emotional and physical help they need while recovering from surgery or receiving specialized treatment.
- Fisher Houses are comfort homes built by private foundations and donated to the government. They are located near military and VA medical centers so families can be together during a medical crisis without the financial burden of lodging costs.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fisher House Availability Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.