Bill would restore fines for unauthorized VA claims fees
In committeeH.R. 1732Latest action
Sponsor: Chris Pappas · Representative · NH
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: GUARD VA Benefits Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This bill makes it a federal crime again to charge veterans unauthorized fees for help filing VA benefits claims.
40-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill brings back a federal criminal penalty for charging veterans fees that are not allowed by law when helping them file VA benefits claims. Only accredited attorneys and claims agents are currently permitted to charge fees for this help. Anyone else who asks for or collects an unauthorized fee could face a federal fine.
Who does it affect?
Veterans who seek help filing benefits claims are most directly affected. Individuals and businesses that offer claims help without proper government accreditation are also affected.
Why does it matter?
Without this penalty in place, unauthorized people or companies can charge veterans fees for claims help without facing federal consequences. This bill restores that consequence under federal law.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- No fine amounts specified
- Unauthorized fees may be fined
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 18, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee Hearings Held