What does Preamble of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to reinstate criminal penalties for individuals charging veterans unauthorized fees related to claims for benefits. The bill's purpose is to address fees charged to veterans seeking benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding Veterans Act of 2026, also known as the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026.

What does REINSTATEMENT OF PENALTIES FOR CHARGING VETERANS UNAUTHORIZED of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 5905 of Title 38, United States Code, to reinstate and modify penalties for unauthorized fees related to veterans' claims for benefits. It establishes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving fees for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting claims. Individuals engaging in these activities may be barred from recognition as agents or attorneys by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The section requires recognition by the Secretary for assisting claimants, except under the direct supervision of a recognized agent or attorney. It defines 'preparation, presentation, or prosecution' to include acts associated with filing claims or appeals, but excludes certain medical opinions and expert opinions. The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs must initiate a rulemaking process within 90 days of the Act's enactment to administer the amended section. The provisions of this section supersede state laws regarding the recognition of agents or attorneys and fee agreements. The Secretary must submit detailed estimates of sums and staffing necessary to administer chapter 59 to Congress.

What does PROMOTION OF ASSISTANCE FROM PERSONS RECOGNIZED BY THE of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends title 38 of the United States Code, specifically section 5103A, to address the provision of assistance to individuals filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to provide notice to claimants not represented by accredited persons, including website addresses for an online tool and a reporting website. The Secretary must maintain an online tool allowing claimants to search a list of accredited, suspended, or excluded persons, updated at least quarterly. The bill defines key terms such as 'accredited person,' 'represent,' and 'suspended or excluded' within the context of this section. The Secretary is directed to include warnings about potential fees charged by agents or attorneys on website portals used for filing claims. Within 180 days of the Act's enactment, the Secretary must review regulations and procedures related to recognition under section 5904 and submit recommendations to the relevant Congressional committees.

What does IMPROVE WARNINGS ABOUT POTENTIAL PREDATORY PRACTICES REGARDING of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 5901(b) of Title 38, United States Code, related to warnings about potential predatory practices regarding agents and attorneys for veterans claims. The amendment requires each public-facing website and online tool of the Department to issue warnings to claimants. The warnings must include a message discouraging veterans from sharing their Department account or bank account login credentials with anyone. The Secretary is directed to carry out this subsection through the Chief Veterans Experience Officer. The amendment will take effect 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

What does GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT PERSONS CHARGING FOR ASSISTANCE OR of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modify claim forms. The forms must include a question about whether the claimant was charged for assistance or coaching. Claimants will have the option to name the person who provided such assistance or coaching.

What does DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACCREDITATION SYSTEM. of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to establish a system for recognizing individuals under chapter 59 of title 38, United States Code. The system must maintain 99.9 percent uptime and be responsive and accessible. The system will allow agents and attorneys to certify they meet recognition requirements. Clients of recognized agents and attorneys can use the system to file complaints and report violations specified in sections 5904(b) and 5905(b) of title 38. The system must be integrated with systems used to administer section 3 of this Act and its amendments.

What does RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF AUTOMATED TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT. of SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 227(b)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934. The amendment strikes 'or' at the end of subparagraph (C). The amendment strikes the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserts '; or'. A new subparagraph (E) is added, restricting calls to Federal department or agency telephone numbers. The new restriction applies to calls made by equipment with the capacity to make repeated calls without further human intervention. The restriction also applies if the equipment is operated by an individual or entity unrelated to the information exchanged during the call.

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SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/1/2026 · Introduced: 6/1/2026

Author: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill reinstates and modifies criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who charge unauthorized fees to veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs must provide veterans who are not represented by accredited persons with information about accredited representatives and warnings about potential fees.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is required to display warnings on its websites, discouraging veterans from sharing their account login credentials with others.
Claim forms will be modified to include a question asking whether the claimant was charged for assistance or coaching related to their claim.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will establish a system to recognize agents and attorneys, allowing clients to file complaints and report violations, while also restricting automated telephone calls to federal agency numbers.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9105(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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