This bill extends several programs and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It allows more healthcare professionals to conduct disability examinations, gives more time for education benefits when a school closes, extends emergency preparedness funding, and continues certain home loan fee rates.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 118-19.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill extends several programs and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It allows more healthcare professionals to conduct disability examinations, gives more time for education benefits when a school closes, extends emergency preparedness funding, and continues certain home loan fee rates.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>This bill extends the eligibility or applicability of various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits.</p> <p>First, the bill extends from three to five years the authority for additional licensed health care professionals (i.e., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists) to perform medical disability examinations as part of the existing VA pilot program related to the use of contract physicians for disability examinations.</p> <p>Currently, when an individual transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved, the individual is deemed to have not received those credits, and no charge from the individual's entitlement to education assistance may be made for that period of enrollment. Under the bill, this period of relief for those affected by a closure or disapproval is extended by two years to apply to programs that close or discontinue before September 30, 2025.</p> <p>The bill extends through FY2028 the authorization for VA emergency preparedness for public health emergencies.</p> <p>The bill also extends the applicability of certain loan fee rates through November 15, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Expands who can perform VA disability exams from 3 to 5 years
Extends relief period for education benefits when a school closes from 12 to 14 credits
Continues VA emergency preparedness funding through 2028
Extends certain VA home loan fee rates through 2031
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would primarily affect veterans and their families by expanding access to VA programs and extending the availability of certain benefits. Healthcare professionals, students using VA education benefits, and homebuyers utilizing VA home loans would see the most direct impacts if this bill becomes law.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
Higher education
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
2795, 119th Congress (2025). "FASTER Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2795
