WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1286 · 119th Congress

Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Passed HouseMay 19, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 20, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House passed it 386–1. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes. It would change 1 section of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

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H.R. 1286 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 (May 20, 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 forms 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. 1286 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

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Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to assess the forms that the VA sends to claimants. The center must submit a written assessment to the VA that includes recommendations on how the VA may make the forms clearer and more organized.

The VA must implement certain recommendations in the assessment within two years after the assessment is received.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 13, 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

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  1. May 20, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
  2. May 19, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. May 19, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  4. May 19, 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): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. May 19, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2136-2137)House floor actions
  6. May 19, 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. May 19, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1286.House floor actions
  8. May 19, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2124-2126)House floor actions
  9. May 19, 2025Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
  10. May 17, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 73.House floor actions
  11. May 17, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.House floor actions
  12. May 17, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.Library of Congress
  13. May 6, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  14. Apr 9, 2025Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.House committee actions
  15. Apr 9, 2025Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  16. Mar 26, 2025Subcommittee Hearings HeldHouse committee actions
  17. Mar 14, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.House committee actions
  18. Feb 13, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.House floor actions
  19. Feb 13, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  20. Feb 13, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

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  1. May 19, 2025 · HousePassed 386–1
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
    R 194 yes, 1 noD 192 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Mike Bost R-IL-12
  • Donald G. Davis D-NC-1
  • Monica De La Cruz R-TX-15
  • Michelle Fischbach R-MN-7
  • Josh Harder D-CA-9
  • J. French Hill R-AR-2
  • Darrell Issa R-CA-48
  • Susie Lee D-NV-3
  • Daniel Meuser R-PA-9
  • Barry Moore R-AL-1
  • Jay Obernolte R-CA-23
  • Jimmy Panetta D-CA-19
Show 6 more cosponsors
  • August Pfluger R-TX-11
  • Pete Stauber R-MN-8
  • Glenn Thompson R-PA-15
  • David G. Valadao R-CA-22
  • Roger Williams R-TX-25
  • Steve Womack R-AR-3