GUARD VA Benefits Act

House Bill

H.R. 1732

119th Congress

GUARD VA Benefits Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 27, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Dusty Johnson

Representative

Republican

SD-0

Cosponsors

109

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill creates fines for people who charge unauthorized fees to help veterans file VA benefits claims, targeting scammers and unlicensed claims agents who prey on veterans.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill creates fines for people who charge unauthorized fees to help veterans file VA benefits claims, targeting scammers and unlicensed claims agents who prey on veterans.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act or the GUARD VA Benefits Act This bill imposes fines on individuals for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any unauthorized fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The attempted commission of such offenses is also punishable by fine.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Imposes fines for unauthorized VA claims fees
Targets unaccredited representatives
Punishes attempted violations as well
Protects veterans from predatory claims agents

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Veterans would be protected from scammers who charge fees to help with VA claims but aren't properly accredited. Legitimate accredited representatives can still help veterans for free.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Civil actions and liability

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

User charges and fees

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1732, 119th Congress (2025). "GUARD VA Benefits Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1732