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. 2026-01-20Became Public Law No: 119-71.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-01-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-01-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-01-12Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2026-01-12Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2025-12-19Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    8. 2025-12-18Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8895)Senate
    9. 2025-12-18Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    10. 2025-12-18Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
    11. 2025-12-18Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    12. 2025-05-20Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
    13. 2025-05-19Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    14. 2025-05-19On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)House floor actions
    15. 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
    16. 2025-05-19DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1823.House floor actions
    17. 2025-05-19Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2129-2130)House floor actions
    18. 2025-05-19Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
    19. 2025-05-17Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 74.House floor actions
    20. 2025-05-17Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-101.House floor actions
    21. 2025-05-17Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-101.Library of Congress
    22. 2025-05-06Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    23. 2025-03-25Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    24. 2025-03-25Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    25. 2025-03-10Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.House committee actions
    26. 2025-03-04Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.House floor actions
    27. 2025-03-04Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    28. 2025-03-04Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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    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