WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1823 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-71

VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act

Became lawArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedMar 4, 2025
Passed HouseMay 19, 2025
Passed SenateDec 18, 2025
To PresidentJan 12, 2026
Became lawJan 20, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1823 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Funding shortfalls in certain administrations of the Department of Veterans Affairs: reviews; reports
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

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

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

    What it does

    Sourced

    VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act

    This act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and report on the circumstances and causes of the shortfall in funding of the Veterans Benefits Administration for FY2024 and the expected shortfall in funding of the Veterans Health Administration in FY2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs must submit such GAO report to Congress. For each of the five fiscal years following the date of enactment of this act, GAO must conduct subsequent reviews and reports regarding the funding of the VA.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Jan 20, 2026).

    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. 2026-01-20Became Public Law No: 119-71.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-01-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-01-12Presented to President.Library of Congress
    4. 2025-12-18Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    5. 2025-05-19Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)Library of Congress
    6. 2025-05-17Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-101.Library of Congress
    7. 2025-03-04Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show all 28 recorded actions

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-71 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

    Cosponsors

    • Mike Bost R-IL-12