Bill Summary
The "Every Veteran Housed Act" aims to expand eligibility for homelessness benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, it amends Section 2002 of title 38, United States Code, to broaden the definition of a "veteran" to include individuals who were discharged or released from military service under conditions other than dishonorable or due to a general court-martial. This change allows veterans from diverse service backgrounds, regardless of their length of service, component (active or reserve), or current service status, to access homelessness assistance. Additionally, the Act makes conforming amendments to other sections of Title 38 to align with the expanded definitions and eligibility criteria. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that more veterans in need can receive support and resources to combat homelessness.
Possible Impacts
The "Every Veteran Housed Act" aims to expand eligibility for homelessness benefits for veterans, which can have several significant effects on people. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Access to Benefits for More Veterans**: By broadening the definition of "veteran" to include individuals discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and without regard to their length of service, more veterans who previously did not qualify for homelessness benefits can now receive assistance. This can lead to improved housing stability for individuals who have served in the military but faced barriers to accessing support due to their discharge status.
2. **Reduction in Homelessness Among Veterans**: With expanded eligibility for homelessness benefits, it is likely that more veterans will receive the necessary resources, such as housing assistance, mental health services, and job training programs. This can contribute to a reduction in homelessness rates among veterans, helping to reintegrate them into society and improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
3. **Broader Support for Reserve and National Guard Members**: The amendment acknowledges veterans from reserve components and those with varied service lengths, thereby extending support to a group that often faces unique challenges. This can empower reserve service members, who may have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity after transitioning to civilian life, by providing them with access to essential resources and support systems that can aid in their adjustment and stability.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3869 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3869
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for
homelessness benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 10, 2025
Ms. Dexter introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for
homelessness benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Every Veteran Housed Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HOMELESSNESS BENEFITS UNDER LAWS
ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Expansion.--Section 2002 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``(a) In General.--''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(3) The term `veteran' includes a person who was
discharged or released from a period of service as a member of
the uniformed services--
``(A) under conditions other than--
``(i) dishonorable; or
``(ii) by reason of the sentence of a
general court-martial; and
``(B) regardless of--
``(i) the length of such period of service;
``(ii) whether such member was a member of
an active or reserve component of the uniformed
services;
``(iii) whether such service was active
duty;
``(iv) whether such person currently serves
as a member of the uniformed services; and
``(v) whether such person was discharged or
released from another period of service under
conditions described in clause (i) or (ii) of
subparagraph (A).
``(4) The term `uniformed services' has the meaning given
such term in section 101 of title 10.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Certain service deemed to be active service.--Section
106(b) of such title is amended, in the matter following
paragraph (3), by inserting ``20,'' after ``19,''.
(2) Minimum active-duty service requirement.--Section
5303A(b)(3)(F) of such title is amended by striking ``section
2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 2061'' and inserting ``chapter 20''.
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