New Bill Would Require Congress to Fund Veterans' Care Whenever a New War is Declared
To require the inclusion of an authorization of appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs in any authorization for use of military force or declaration of war.
This bill is currently in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs where it has been since January 2026. No action has been taken on the proposal for five months. It is considered stalled because the committee must review it before it can move forward.
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
This historic infrastructure investment arrives alongside the Full Cost of War Act, proposed by Reps. Deluzio and Lieu. The legislation would mandate that lawmakers authorize VA healthcare funding simultaneously with any new military force authorizations to prevent care from being an afterthought.
Iraq War veteran Rep. Chris Deluzio discusses the critical need for sustained VA funding and staffing. Deluzio emphasizes that the nation has a 'sacred obligation' to fully fund the VA, a principle central to his legislative efforts to tie military authorizations to veteran care appropriations.
The House approved a massive defense authorization bill that includes guidelines for service member pay and benefits. The debate highlighted ongoing efforts by veteran lawmakers to reform war powers and ensure that military authorizations are linked to long-term veteran healthcare commitments.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To require the inclusion of an authorization of appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs in any authorization for use of military force or declaration of war.
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