Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025
Rep. Barrett Proposes $833 Monthly Boost for Severely Disabled Veterans and Higher Survivor Raises
Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would give an extra $833.33 each month to veterans who are so severely disabled that they need regular help with daily activities like bathing or dressing. This new payment would be added on top of the disability money they already receive starting in December 2026.
- Families of service members who died in the line of duty would see bigger annual raises. For five years, their cost-of-living increases would be 1% higher than the standard raise given to Social Security recipients, helping their benefits keep up with the rising costs of groceries and housing.
- To help pay for these new benefits, the bill changes rules for VA home loans. Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or lower would have to pay a fee if they use a VA loan to buy a second or third home between 2026 and 2035, rather than having that fee waived.
- The legislation is named after Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson to honor their service and highlight the needs of veterans with major injuries. The goal is to provide more financial security for those who were most seriously hurt during their military service and for the families they left behind.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
To offset the cost of the new benefits, the bill removes the VA home loan funding fee waiver for veterans with disability ratings of 70% or lower who take out a subsequent (not first-time) VA loan. From August 2026 through September 2035, these veterans would have to pay a fee they previously didn't owe when buying a second or later home with a VA loan. This affects a relatively small group but adds a new out-of-pocket cost.
Programs
Disabilities
Milestones
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 497.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-577.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Hearings Held
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(14)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.