Bill Summary
The legislation, identified as S.J. Res. 103, is a joint resolution that expresses congressional disapproval of a specific rule established by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding "Reproductive Health Services." This resolution follows the procedures outlined in Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to formally reject certain agency rules.
The resolution states that Congress disapproves of the VA's rule as published in the Federal Register (90 Fed. Reg. 61310 on December 31, 2025), effectively nullifying its effect and preventing it from being implemented. The passage of this resolution indicates a legislative response to concerns regarding the VA's policies on reproductive health services for veterans.
Possible Impacts
The legislation you provided disapproves a rule by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding "Reproductive Health Services." Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Access to Reproductive Health Services for Veterans**: By disapproving the VA's rule related to reproductive health services, veterans may face reduced access to necessary reproductive health care options, such as family planning, contraception, and other related medical services. This could disproportionately affect female veterans and those seeking reproductive health support, potentially leading to negative health outcomes.
2. **Impact on Healthcare Providers**: Healthcare providers within the VA system may experience confusion or frustration as a result of this disapproval. They might have to navigate changes in policy that could limit the services they can offer veterans, leading to potential ethical dilemmas and challenges in providing comprehensive care to their patients.
3. **Broader Implications for Policy and Legislation**: This congressional disapproval could set a precedent for future legislative actions regarding healthcare policies, particularly those related to reproductive health. It may signal to other government agencies and organizations that similar rules could be challenged or overturned, thereby influencing the development of reproductive health policies at both the federal and state levels. This could lead to broader societal debates and mobilization around reproductive rights and health access.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 103 Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 338
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 103
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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 27, 2026
Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Sanders, Ms.
Hirono, Ms. Hassan, Mr. King, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Gallego, Ms. Slotkin,
Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Reed,
Mr. Coons, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Welch, Ms. Warren, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Schiff,
Ms. Smith, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Merkley, Ms.
Alsobrooks, Mr. Ossoff, Ms. Rosen, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Cantwell, Mr.
Schatz, Mr. Booker, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr. Hickenlooper) introduced
the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
February 12, 2026
Committee discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar
_______________________________________________________________________
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.
Calendar No. 338
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 103
_______________________________________________________________________
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''.
_______________________________________________________________________
February 12, 2026
Committee discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c), and
placed on the calendar