H.R. 8946In committeeSecurity & foreign affairs
VA would get its own History Office, based in Dayton, Ohio
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 8946 establishes a VA History Office in Dayton, Ohio to preserve and share veterans' history by the VA's 100th anniversary in 2030.60-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 8946 creates an official History Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio for at least eight years. The office would collect and preserve VA records, artifacts, and historical materials, and share them through exhibits, publications, websites, and virtual reality. Two existing programs, the Veterans Legacy Program and the Veterans' Oral History Project, would move into the new office.
Who does it affect?
A Chief Historian would lead the office and report directly to the VA Secretary, with an internal advisory group of senior VA officials guiding operations. Veterans, students, researchers, and the general public are the intended audience for the office's programs, and Dayton residents may see a more direct local impact.
Why does it matter?
The office aims to have a fully established history program in place by 2030, coinciding with the VA's 100th anniversary. Within 180 days of passage, the VA must submit a planning report to Congress covering staffing, budget, and construction, followed by yearly progress reports through 2030.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- VA may accept donations of money or property
- Facility leasing allowed to fund operations
- No specific cost figure provided
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- 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.
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Official title
Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026
- Introduced:
- May 20, 2026
- Latest action:
- May 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
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