Keith Self (R-TX)
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill proposes to amend title 38 of the United States Code to create the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This new Office would act as the primary connection between the Department and Congress. It establishes a leadership structure featuring an Assistant Secretary and two Deputy Assistant Secretaries to manage legislative strategy and operations. The bill sets specific rules for how congressional requests for information must be handled and documented. It also establishes strict timelines for providing records and materials to congressional committees. Finally, the bill includes penalties and oversight measures to ensure the Department complies with these new requirements.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates strict timelines and prohibits the withholding or altering of information requested by Congressional committees.
- Scored +4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
By increasing transparency and communication between the VA and Congress, the bill enhances the oversight of programs serving veterans.
- Scored +3
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill establishes a more transparent and accountable legislative liaison office to improve engagement between the VA and Congress.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Communication and Transparency: The Office is tasked with coordinating communications, facilitating hearings, and managing requests for information (Section 326(a)). This could lead to better engagement between the Department and the people's representatives.
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Accountability for Information Requests: The bill mandates specific timelines for acknowledging and fulfilling requests from congressional committees (Section 326(h)). This ensures that the Department cannot indefinitely ignore or delay providing necessary information to Congress.
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Protection of Original Records: The law prevents the Department from substituting requested records with mere summaries or briefing materials unless the committee allows it (Section 326(h)(3)). This ensures that lawmakers have access to actual datasets, contracts, and communications rather than just filtered versions.
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Prevention of Information Interference: The bill explicitly prohibits officials from withholding, screening, or altering responsive information or delaying production for political review (Section 326(h)(4)). This helps ensure that the truth reaches Congress without being manipulated by political interests.
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Consequences for Noncompliance: If the Department fails to meet required timelines, the bill mandates a written explanation, a corrective action plan, and an Inspector General review (Section 326(i)). This creates a mechanism to hold the Department accountable when they fail to meet their obligations to Congress.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Restrictions During Noncompliance: If the Secretary fails to comply with required timelines, the funds available for the salaries and expenses of the Office may be frozen (Section 326(i)(3)). This could potentially disrupt the Office's ability to function during the period of noncompliance.
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Increased Administrative Complexity: The bill establishes a complex leadership structure involving an Assistant Secretary and two Deputy Assistant Secretaries with specific, restricted roles (Section 326(c)). This division of duties between legislative strategy and congressional operations is designed to create mutual restraint, but it adds layers of management to the Department.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates strict timelines and prohibits the withholding or altering of information requested by Congressional committees.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — By increasing transparency and communication between the VA and Congress, the bill enhances the oversight of programs serving veterans.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill establishes a more transparent and accountable legislative liaison office to improve engagement between the VA and Congress.
- 5/14/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
- 4/15/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 3/25/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House