What does Preamble of Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend title 38, United States Code. It proposes establishing a Veterans Affairs History Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill's stated purpose is 'to establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Affairs History Office, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) History Program. In 2017, Secretary Robert A. McDonald signed a Memorandum of Agreement to advance a history office as a community partnership. A Department report indicated that a properly staffed History Office could be an 'essential ally' for VA staff. An executive memorandum dated April 10, 2020, established a History Office within the Department, contributing to honoring veterans. Directive 7777, issued February 9, 2021, established policies and responsibilities for the VA History Program. The VA's centennial year in 2030 is a goal for establishing ongoing history outreach and public exhibits.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HISTORY OFFICE. of Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs History Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Office will be located in Dayton, Ohio, for eight years after enactment. The Office's purposes include collecting, preserving, and providing access to historical records and telling a comprehensive story of the Department. The Office will be headed by a Chief Historian who reports to the Secretary. An Internal Coordination Group will be established within 180 days of enactment to advise the Office. Functions related to the Veterans Legacy Program and the Veterans Legacy Memorial from the National Cemetery Administration are transferred to the Office. The Secretary is authorized to accept gifts and bequests for the benefit of the Office. The Secretary may enter into partnerships and lease portions of Office facilities to nonprofit organizations to support the Office’s activities.

What does REPORTS. of Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates a report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The initial report must detail proposed activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs History Office, as established in section 325(a) of title 38, United States Code. The report's contents should include plans for staffing, budget, organizational charts, and facility construction/renovation, including the National Department of Veterans Affairs History Center. The Secretary may also include recommendations for legislative or administrative action regarding the History Office. The Chief Historian must submit annual progress reports to the same committees, starting one year after the initial report and continuing until December 31, 2030.

Back to bills

Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Michael Turner (R-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Veterans Affairs History Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs, tasked with collecting, preserving, and providing access to historical records related to the Department.
The newly created History Office will be located in Dayton, Ohio, for eight years and will assume functions related to the Veterans Legacy Program and Veterans Legacy Memorial.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit an initial report detailing the History Office's proposed activities and subsequent annual progress reports to Congress.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

5 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account