WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 3726 · 119th Congress

Fisher House Availability Act of 2026

Passed HouseDrafted by AI, awaiting reviewArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedJun 4, 2025
Passed HouseMay 19, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 20, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. From Iowa: Mariannette Miller-Meeks sponsors it. It would change 2 sections of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 3726 would change 2 sections of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 20, 2026).

38 U.S.C. 1708 Temporary lodging

  • The section as a whole removed · Sec. 2(3) · see the words
  • (a) The Secretary may furnish persons described in subsection (b) with temporary… changed · Sec. 2(1) · see the words
  • (b) Persons to whom the Secretary may provide lodging under subsection (a) are the… added to · Sec. 2(2) · see the words
  • (d) The Secretary may establish charges for providing lodging under this section.… added to · Sec. 2(4) · see the words
  • (e) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such… added to · Sec. 2(5) · see the words

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
What the words would change: every change, in place (12)

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. 1708(a)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(1)

    (a) The Secretary may furnish persons described in subsection (b) with temporary lodging in a Fisher house or other appropriate facility in connection within accordance with this section. the examination, treatment, or care of a veteran under this chapter or, as provided for under subsection (e)(5), in connection with benefits administered under this title.

    The bill says: in subsection (a), by striking "in connection with" and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting "in accordance with this section.";

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  2. 38 U.S.C. 1708(b)(2)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(2)

    (2) A member of the family of a veteran described in paragraph (1) and others who accompany a veteran and provide the equivalent of familial support for such veteran.

    The bill says: by inserting "described in paragraph (1)" after "family of a veteran"; and

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  3. 38 U.S.C. 1708(b)(2)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(2)

    (2) A member of the family of a veteran and others who accompany such a veteran and provide the equivalent of familial support for such veteran.

    The bill says: by inserting "such" after "accompany"; and

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  4. 38 U.S.C. 1708(b)added (3)by H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(2)

    (3) On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.(4) On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary who is receiving care or services and provide the equivalent of familial support for such beneficiary when the covered beneficiary or the family member is traveling to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.(5) On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.(6) On a space available basis, a covered beneficiary and a member of the family of a covered beneficiary and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the covered beneficiary’s family to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  5. 38 U.S.C. 1708removedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(3)

    The bill says: by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  6. 38 U.S.C. 1708(d)(2)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(4)

    The bill says: in paragraph (2), by striking "subsection (d)" and inserting "subsection (c)";

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  7. 38 U.S.C. 1708(d)(3)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(4)

    The bill says: in paragraph (3), by striking "under subsection (b)(2)" and inserting "or a covered beneficiary under subsection (b)";

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  8. 38 U.S.C. 1708(d)(4)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(4)

    The bill says: in paragraph (4), by striking "and" after the semicolon;

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  9. 38 U.S.C. 1708(d)renumberedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(4)

    The bill says: by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  10. 38 U.S.C. 1708(d)added (5)by H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(4)

    (5) establishing criteria for providing access to temporary lodging facilities on a space-available basis under paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (b); and

    The bill says: by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  11. 38 U.S.C. 1708added (e)by H.R. 3726 Sec. 2(5)

    (e) In this section:(1) The term "covered beneficiary" means a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.(2) The term "Fisher house" means a housing facility that—(A) is located at, or in proximity to, a Department medical facility;(B) is available for residential use on a temporary basis by patients of that facility and others described in subsection (b); and(C) is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1708)

  12. 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)changedby H.R. 3726 Sec. 3

    The bill says: Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking "January 31, 2033" and inserting "July 31, 2033".

    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.

Bill text used: Engrossed in House (as passed by the House, May 19, 2026) · updated Oct 28, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. A person must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced
  • This bill lets active-duty service members and their families stay in VA Fisher Houses when rooms are free.
    3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (4)The term covered beneficiary means a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(1)
  • Fisher Houses are free lodging near VA hospitals for families of patients.
    3,7is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(2)(C)a cost-free, home-away-from-home environment[7] Congressional Record, House, May 19, 2026 (H3577-H3579) · H3578, Rep. Takano
  • Veterans and their families could also stay when care is at a non-VA hospital, or when a family member is the patient.
    3On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (5)On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)
  • It passed the House on May 19, 2026, and waits in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
    12026-05-19 16:42:05 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-192026-05-20 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-20
  • Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa wrote it.
    1Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor

What it would mean for you

Sourced

If you are a service member or military family

You could stay at a VA Fisher House when there's room

  • Active-duty members who travel far for care, and the family who come with them, could stay when space is open.
    3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (4)The term covered beneficiary means a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(1)
  • It would not matter whether care is at a VA, military or civilian hospital.
    3,7On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)regardless of where care is provided. It doesn't matter if they are receiving care at a VA facility, a military hospital, or a civilian provider.[7] Congressional Record, House, May 19, 2026 (H3577-H3579) · H3578, Rep. Dingell

If you are a veteran or a veteran's family

Veterans keep first claim on rooms

  • New guests are allowed only when space is available, so veterans still come first.
    3,7On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)As veteran families would still receive prioritization, veteran access to VA Fisher Houses will not change.[7] Congressional Record, House, May 19, 2026 (H3577-H3579) · H3578, Rep. Takano
  • You could also stay when your spouse or child is the one getting care far from home.
    3On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (5)

If a veteran in your family lives in a Medicaid nursing home

A pension cap lasts six months longer

  • To pay for the bill, a $90 a month cap on VA pension for some nursing home residents would last until July 31, 2033.
    3,6is admitted to a VA or Medicaid sponsored nursing facility is capped at $90 a month[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3This section would cover the costs of the other sections of this bill by extending this pension limitation by six months to July 31, 2033.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 3

If you live in Iowa

Your representative wrote it

What this bill does not do

Sourced
  • It does not build new Fisher Houses. CBO says the existing ones have room for more guests.
    6VA Fisher Houses currently have the capacity to accommodate more guests in existing facilities[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimate
  • It does not push veterans out. New groups can stay only when rooms are open.
    3,7On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)My bill would fix this issue head-on by not displacing veterans or veterans' families.[7] Congressional Record, House, May 19, 2026 (H3577-H3579) · H3578, Rep. Miller-Meeks
  • It is not law yet. The Senate has not acted.
    12026-05-20 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-20

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

38 U.S.C. 1708(a)Replaces words

Current law

in connection with the examination, treatment, or care of a veteran under this chapter
8in connection with the examination, treatment, or care of a veteran under this chapter[8] 38 U.S.C. 1708, Temporary lodging (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)

Lodging had to be tied to a veteran's own care.

The bill

in subsection (a), by striking in connection with and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting in accordance with this section.
3in subsection (a), by striking in connection with and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting in accordance with this section.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(1)
In plain words: Lodging would follow the new list of who may stay, not only a veteran's own care.
3in subsection (a), by striking in connection with and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting in accordance with this section.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(1)
38 U.S.C. 1708(b)Adds paragraphs

Current law

A member of the family of a veteran and others who accompany a veteran and provide the equivalent of familial support for such veteran.
8A member of the family of a veteran and others who accompany a veteran and provide the equivalent of familial support for such veteran.[8] 38 U.S.C. 1708, Temporary lodging (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)(2)

Only veterans who travel far, and the people who come with them, were listed.

The bill

On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.
3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)
In plain words: Active-duty patients, their families, and families traveling for a relative's care are added, when space allows.
3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (4)On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (5)On a space available basis, a covered beneficiary and a member of the family of a covered beneficiary and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the covered beneficiary’s family to receive care[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (6)
2 more changes side by side
38 U.S.C. 1708 (definition of Fisher house)Adds words

Current law

is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation.
8is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation.[8] 38 U.S.C. 1708, Temporary lodging (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (c)(3)

Only houses from the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation counted.

The bill

is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
3is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(2)(C)
In plain words: Houses from the Fisher House Foundation, Inc. also count.
3is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(2)(C)
38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)Replaces a date

Current law

New: nothing here today.

The bill

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.
3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3
In plain words: A pension limit for some nursing home residents is extended six months, to July 31, 2033.
3,6Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3This section would cover the costs of the other sections of this bill by extending this pension limitation by six months to July 31, 2033.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 3

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

  • The new groups can stay only when space is available.
    3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)
  • The pension limit's new end date is July 31, 2033.
    3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

  • VA sets the rules for deciding who gets an open room.
    3establishing criteria for providing access to temporary lodging facilities on a space-available basis under paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (b)[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(4)(E) → inserted (5)
  • VA already defines a significant distance as at least 50 miles or two hours; the bill does not change that.
    6Lodging is available in cases where the veteran must travel at least fifty miles, or two hours, from their home to the VA health care facility.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 2

Section by section

Sourced
Read all 3 sections in plain words
Sec. 1 Short title
Names the bill the Fisher House Availability Act of 2026.
3This Act may be cited as the Fisher House Availability Act of 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2 Who can stay
Removes the rule tying lodging only to a veteran's own VA care.
3,8in subsection (a), by striking in connection with and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting in accordance with this section.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(1)in connection with the examination, treatment, or care of a veteran under this chapter[8] 38 U.S.C. 1708, Temporary lodging (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)
 Adds new groups, on a space-available basis: active-duty patients, their families, and families traveling for a relative's care.
3On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (4)On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (5)On a space available basis, a covered beneficiary and a member of the family of a covered beneficiary and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the covered beneficiary’s family to receive care[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (6)
 Defines Fisher houses to include ones given by the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
3is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(2)(C)
 VA must set rules for who gets a room when space is available.
3establishing criteria for providing access to temporary lodging facilities on a space-available basis under paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (b)[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(4)(E) → inserted (5)
Sec. 3 Paying for it
Extends a pension limit for some Medicaid nursing home residents from January 31, 2033 to July 31, 2033.
3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3

What changed between versions

Sourced
2 steps, from first draft to final text

From the House bill as introduced to the committee's version (House)

  • The committee added veterans' families traveling for a relative's care, and covered care at VA hospitals as well as others.
    3On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran’s family to receive care or services[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (5)On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(2)(B) → inserted (3)
  • It limited the new group to active-duty service members instead of all military health plan members.
    3,5The term covered beneficiary has the meaning given such term in section 1072(5) of title 10.[5] Introduced in House (2025-06-04) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(1)The term covered beneficiary means a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 2(5) → inserted (e)(1)
  • It added the pension-limit extension to pay for the bill.
    3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting July 31, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Sec. 3

From the committee's version (House) to the House-passed text

No changes to the wording.

Cost

Sourced
  • The Congressional Budget Office expected about 10,000 more nights of lodging a year, costing $6 million over 2026 to 2036.
    6CBO estimates that the bill would result in approximately 10,000 additional nights of lodging annually at an average cost of about $60 per night.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimateIn total, providing those additional nights of lodging would cost $6 million over the 2026-2036 period.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimate
  • The pension change saves money, so overall the bill would cut direct spending by $4 million over 2026 to 2036.
    6In total, enacting the bill would decrease net direct spending by $4 million over the 2026-2036 period[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimate

Analysis

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

Balance of power

Coalitions

Precedent

  • The bill answers a fall 2024 VA decision that it lacked the power to house these groups.
    6In the fall of 2024, VA reinterpreted current law and determined that[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 2VA does not have authority to provide lodging beyond[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 2
  • The committee says it would restore what VA used to allow.
    6would reflect past practice and current need[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · Section 2

The strongest case on each side

For

Against

  • No one opposed it. The cost is covered by keeping a pension cut for some nursing home residents longer: $2 million a month less in VA benefits.
    6CBO estimates that extending that requirement would reduce VA benefits by $2 million per month.[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimate
    Congressional Budget Office (in H. Rept. 119-630)
  • That shifts some cost to Medicaid, which would pay about $1 million a month more.
    6Medicaid would pay more of the cost of their care, increasing spending for that program by $1 million per month[6] H. Rept. 119-630 · CBO estimate
    Congressional Budget Office (in H. Rept. 119-630)

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. Who could newly stay at VA Fisher Houses?
2. Would veterans lose their place?
3. Where does the bill stand?

How this was checked

Sourced
3 checks
  • Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
  • H. Rept. 119-630 (Veterans' Affairs): The committee's description and CBO's estimate (printed in the report) match the House-passed text.
  • U.S. Code 2024 edition, 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7): The 2024 edition shows the pension limit ending November 30, 2031; a later law moved it to January 31, 2033, the date this bill changes. So no 'before' quote is shown for that change.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one

Sources

Sourced
All 9 sources
  1. Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  2. Referred in Senate (2026-05-20) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  3. Engrossed in House (2026-05-19) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  4. Reported in House (2026-04-30) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  5. Introduced in House (2025-06-04) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  6. H. Rept. 119-630 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  7. Congressional Record, House, May 19, 2026 (H3577-H3579) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  8. 38 U.S.C. 1708, Temporary lodging (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  9. 38 U.S.C. 5503, Hospitalized veterans and estates of incompetent institutionalized veterans (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Official summary

Sourced

Fisher House Availability Act of 2026

This bill expands eligibility for temporary lodging at a Fisher House to additional individuals receiving medical care or treatment at a Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) or non-VA facility or those accompanying individuals receiving such treatment. (Fisher Houses are where the VA furnishes no-cost lodging to veterans and other eligible individuals when receiving treatment or accompanying an individual receiving treatment.)

Specifically, the bill authorizes the VA to provide lodging at a Fisher House on a space-available basis to

• members of the uniformed services performing active duty (i.e., covered beneficiaries) who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services;

• family members and others accompanying such covered beneficiaries to receive care or services;

• veterans, members of a veteran's family, and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of a veteran's family to receive care or services; and

• covered beneficiaries, members of a covered beneficiary’s family, and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of a beneficiary’s family to receive care or services.

Finally, the bill extends the limitation on pension amounts for certain hospitalized or institutionalized veterans through July 31, 2033.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Reported to House, Apr 30, 2026).

What has happened

Sourced
  1. May 19, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3577)Library of Congress
  2. Apr 30, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-630.Library of Congress
  3. Jun 4, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 18 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Debbie Dingell D-MI-6
  • Joe Neguse D-CO-2
  • Eugene Simon Vindman D-VA-7