Bill Summary
The joint resolution is a formal expression of Congress's disapproval regarding a specific rule proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) concerning "Reproductive Health Services." This resolution asserts that Congress does not approve of the rule, which was published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2025. By passing this resolution, Congress effectively nullifies the rule, meaning it will have no legal force or effect. This action is taken under the authority granted by Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which outlines procedures for congressional disapproval of federal regulations.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the disapproval of the Department of Veterans Affairs' rule on "Reproductive Health Services" could affect people:
1. **Access to Healthcare Services for Veterans**: The disapproval of the rule may limit access to comprehensive reproductive health services for veterans, including family planning, contraception, and abortion services. This could disproportionately affect female veterans and those with specific reproductive health needs, potentially leading to negative health outcomes or unplanned pregnancies.
2. **Impact on Women's Health Programs**: If the rule aimed to enhance reproductive health services and was disapproved, programs designed to support women's health, including preventive screenings and education on reproductive health, could be weakened or eliminated. This may hinder veterans' ability to receive necessary health information and support, ultimately impacting their overall well-being.
3. **Political and Social Implications**: The disapproval of the rule may provoke political and social responses from various advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This could lead to increased polarization on reproductive health issues, affecting the broader discourse on healthcare policies for veterans and potentially influencing future legislation and funding for related services.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 144 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 144
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans
Affairs relating to ``Reproductive Health Services''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 27, 2026
Ms. Brownley (for herself, Mr. Takano, Mr. Pappas, Mrs. Cherfilus-
McCormick, Mr. McGarvey, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Kennedy of
New York, Ms. Dexter, Mr. Conaway, Ms. Morrison, Ms. Leger Fernandez,
Ms. DeGette, and Ms. Pressley) submitted the following joint
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans
Affairs relating to ``Reproductive Health Services''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to
``Reproductive Health Services'' (90 Fed. Reg. 61310 (December 31,
2025)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.
<all>