Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 8 Republican cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Veterans' Bill of Rights Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inform veterans of their rights regarding health care, benefits, and services. This includes ensuring veterans are aware of their rights to access providers, receive respectful treatment, and provide informed consent. The bill mandates that these rights be integrated into Department policies, employee training, and displayed at facilities and online. It also requires a dedicated module for the Transition Assistance Program. Additionally, medical facilities must designate a patient advocate or ombudsman to audit compliance. Finally, the Act specifies that these provisions do not create new legal causes of action for damages.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the Secretary to provide clear written notifications and prominent access to rights via digital portals.
- Scored +7
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill establishes a formal bill of rights to ensure veterans receive respectful treatment, informed consent, and grievance redress.
- Scored +6
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill codifies specific rights regarding the transparency, communication, and grievance processes for veteran benefits.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Awareness of Rights: The Secretary must carry out efforts to inform veterans of their rights regarding health care, benefits, and services (Section 3, subsection a).
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Improved Health Care Access: Veterans are informed of their right to receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs or authorized community providers (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Dignified Treatment: The bill establishes a right for veterans to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity during interactions with Department personnel (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 2).
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Better Informed Medical Decisions: Veterans have the right to receive clear and complete information about treatment options to provide informed consent (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Clearer Benefit Information: The act provides for the right to receive comprehensive and understandable information regarding eligible benefits, programs, and services (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 4).
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Easier Application Process: Veterans have the right to apply for benefits at any time and receive clear explanations regarding eligibility determinations (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 5).
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Protection from Retaliation: The bill protects the right of veterans to seek care or raise concerns without fear of adverse action, stigma, or retaliation (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 6).
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Personal Information Security: Veterans are granted the right to the protection of their medical records and personal information in accordance with Federal law (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 7).
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Effective Complaint Resolution: The bill provides a right to file complaints and receive timely, thorough investigations and resolutions (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 8).
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Improved Communication Status: Veterans have the right to clear written notification regarding the status of their claims, benefits, and appeals (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 9).
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Right to Appeal Decisions: The act ensures the right to appeal adverse decisions of the Secretary and receive fair hearings within a reasonable time (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 10).
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Enhanced Accountability through Audits: Each medical facility must designate a patient advocate or ombudsman to conduct annual internal audits to assess compliance and review satisfaction surveys (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Legal Recourse: The provisions of this act are not to be construed to create a cause of action for damages or judicially enforceable rights beyond those already established under Federal law (Section 3, subsection d, paragraph 1).
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No Change to Eligibility: This act does not alter the existing statutory eligibility requirements for receiving care or benefits (Section 3, subsection d, paragraph 2).
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 requires the Secretary to provide clear written notifications and prominent access to rights via digital portals. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill explicitly affirms the right to the protection of personal information and medical records.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill establishes a formal bill of rights to ensure veterans receive respectful treatment, informed consent, and grievance redress.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill codifies specific rights regarding the transparency, communication, and grievance processes for veteran benefits.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill ensures veterans are informed of their rights to receive care and assistance without fear of retaliation. Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill increases transparency regarding the application and status of various benefits.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill mandates that veterans be informed of their right to access VA or authorized community providers.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- 3/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jim BanksRepublican · Indiana
Tom CottonRepublican · Arkansas
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Ashley MoodyRepublican · Florida
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina