HR 9105 — SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html June 02, 2026

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill reinstates and expands penalties for charging veterans unauthorized fees related to claims for benefits, amending existing provisions on assistance to claimants.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5905

  Whoever wrongfully withholds from any claimant or beneficiary any part of a benefit or claim allowed and due to the claimant or beneficiary, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. → (a) Withholding of Benefits.--Whoever wrongfully withholds from any claimant or beneficiary any part of a benefit or claim allowed and due to the claimant or beneficiary, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both;

  This modifies the existing penalty provision to specify that it also applies to the wrongful withholding of benefits.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5905

  (b) Charging of Unauthorized Fees.--Except as provided in sections 5904 and 1984 of this title, whoever solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives, or attempts to contract for, charge, or receive, any fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for a benefit under laws administered by the Secretary shall be-- (1) fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and (2) barred from recognition under this chapter by the Secretary as an agent or attorney for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim under laws administered by the Secretary-- (A) for a period of one year beginning on the date of the first violation; and (B) for a period of 10 years beginning on the date of each subsequent violation.

  This adds new penalties specifically for unauthorized charging of fees related to claims.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5905

  (c) Recognition Required.--No person may assist a claimant in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim under a law administered by the Secretary, unless-- (1) recognized by the Secretary under this chapter as an agent or attorney for such purposes; or (2) acting under direct supervision of an agent or attorney described in paragraph (1).

  This establishes a requirement that only recognized individuals may assist claimants.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5905

  (d) Definition of Preparation, Presentation, or Prosecution.--In this section, the term `preparation, presentation, or prosecution'-- (1) except as provided in paragraph (2), means any act associated with filing a claim or appeal for a benefit under a law administrated by the Secretary; and (2) does not include-- (A) the provision of a medical opinion or completion of a disability benefits questionnaire by a private sector medical professional; or (B) the preparation of an expert opinion in support of a claim or appeal.

  This clarifies what actions constitute preparation, presentation, or prosecution of claims.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5103A

  (g) Notice Regarding Availability of Representation.--Upon receipt of an initial claim by a claimant not represented by an accredited person, the Secretary shall provide notice to the claimant that-- (1) provides the website address of the online tool maintained under subsection (h); and (2) provides the website address of an appropriate and publicly accessible website of the Department through which a claimant may report-- (A) a person, who is not an accredited person, who represented the claimant; and (B) any fee charged by such person for such representation.

  This requires the Secretary to inform claimants about unauthorized representation and fees.

• 38 U.S.C. § 5103A

  (h) Online List of Accredited, Suspended, or Excluded Persons.--(1) The Secretary shall maintain an online tool that allows a claimant to search a list of accredited persons and persons who are suspended or excluded.

  This mandates the creation of an online tool for claimants to check the status of representatives.

Action History

1. June 02, 2026

   Introduced in House

2. June 02, 2026

   Introduced in House

3. June 02, 2026

   Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

4. June 02, 2026

   Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

5. June 23, 2026

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Sponsors

• Don Bacon · Cosponsor
• Janelle S. Bynum · Cosponsor
• Michael Lawler · Cosponsor
• Eleanor Holmes Norton · Cosponsor
• Nikki Budzinski · Cosponsor
• William R. Keating · Cosponsor
• Dina Titus · Cosponsor
• Eugene Simon Vindman · Cosponsor
• Jimmy Panetta · Cosponsor
• Angie Craig · Cosponsor
• Jared F. Golden · Cosponsor
• Gabe Vasquez · Cosponsor
• Chris Pappas · Primary

Subjects