WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1039 · 119th Congress

Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedFeb 6, 2025
Passed HouseApr 7, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Apr 8, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House passed it 412–0. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 1 section of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1039 would change 1 section of existing law, and would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Apr 8, 2025).

38 U.S.C. 5503 Hospitalized veterans and estates of incompetent institutionalized veterans

  • (d) (1) For the purposes of this subsection— changed · Sec. 3 · see the words

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Independent assessment of notices that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs sends to claimants
What the words would change: every change, in place (1)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)changedby H.R. 1039 Sec. 3

    (7) This subsection expires on November 30, 2031December 31, 2031.

    The bill says: Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking "November 30, 2031" and inserting "December 31, 2031".

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 5503)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to assess notices that the VA sends to claimants applying for or submitting claims for VA benefits. The VA must report on the findings of the assessment and implement recommendations in the assessment.

The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through June 23, 2034, under the VA's home loan program.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 6, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Apr 8, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
  2. Apr 7, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Apr 7, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 0 (Roll no. 90). (text: CR H1437) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  4. Apr 7, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 0 (Roll no. 90). (text: CR H1437: 1) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. Apr 7, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1442-1443)House floor actions
  6. Apr 7, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
  7. Apr 7, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1039.House floor actions
  8. Apr 7, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1437-1439)House floor actions
  9. Apr 7, 2025Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
  10. Mar 26, 2025Subcommittee Hearings HeldHouse committee actions
  11. Mar 26, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.House committee actions
  12. Feb 6, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.House floor actions
  13. Feb 6, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  14. Feb 6, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Apr 7, 2025 · HousePassed 412–0
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
    R 205 yes, 0 noD 207 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Mike Bost R-IL-12
  • Nikki Budzinski D-IL-13
  • Mike Collins R-GA-10
  • Scott Fitzgerald R-WI-5
  • Mike Haridopolos R-FL-8
  • Susie Lee D-NV-3
  • Gregory F. Murphy R-NC-3
  • August Pfluger R-TX-11
  • Daniel Webster R-FL-11