Committee Legislative Hearing DC
Legislative Hearing on: H.R: 6047, the "Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025”
H.R. 4077, the "GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act”
December 3, 2025
VFW Testifying In-Person – NLS Director Kristina Keenan
Watch Online: https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx...
Background on Each Bill & VFW Position
H.R. 4077 – GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act
What the bill does: Allows VA to collect reimbursements from Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D plans for care and prescriptions VA provides to their enrollees. This closes a loophole that currently forces taxpayers to double-pay private insurers.
Why VFW supports it:
· Strengthens VA financial stability
· Prevents waste
· Supported by VFW Resolution 603
· No reduction to earned benefits
VFW Position: Support (with oversight)
H.R. 6047 – Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act
This bill contains good provisions but one unacceptable pay-for.
THE GOOD: SMC Supplement for Catastrophically Injured Veterans
Adds $833.33 per month for veterans at SMC-R and SMC-T levels who require 24/7 caregiving. VFW Position: Support this provision.
THE GOOD: DIC Adjustments
Creates a five-year DIC increase tied to Social Security COLA +1%. This is helpful but falls far short of the 55% parity survivors deserve. VFW Position: Support intent; increase is inadequate.
THE BAD: Home Loan Funding Fee on Disabled Veterans
The bill would charge the VA home loan funding fee to veterans rated 70% and below, ending an 80-year exemption disabled veterans have always earned.
Why this breaks the contract:
· Violates VFW Resolution 601 (Protecting Health Care & Benefits)
· Reduces one earned benefit to pay for another
· Creates tiers of "deserving” disabled veterans
· Sets a precedent for future benefit reductions
VFW Position: Strong Oppose on the pay-for.
The VFW will testify before Congress at an upcoming hearing on proposed veterans’ benefits changes. Tune in and stand with us as we push for stronger support for families and firm protection of disability benefits.
