H.R. 1732In committeeSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill would restore fines for unauthorized VA claims fees
Data as of July 11, 2026
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
Decoded
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
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
GUARD VA Benefits Act
- Introduced:
- February 27, 2025
- Latest action:
- March 18, 2026
Committee Hearings Held
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.