Bill
Bill > HR3132
US HR3132
US HR3132CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 Certified Help Options in Claims Expertise for Veterans Act of 2025
summary
Introduced
05/01/2025
05/01/2025
In Committee
05/06/2025
05/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve the process for veterans seeking assistance with filing claims for benefits by implementing several key provisions. The legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide notices to claimants about available free representation from accredited organizations and maintain a public website listing accredited representatives. The bill establishes new regulations for agents and attorneys who help veterans with claims, including a conditional recognition process for new representatives, limitations on fees that can be charged, and stricter oversight of representatives' conduct. It introduces a standardized fee agreement with a maximum cap of $12,500 or 5 times the monthly benefit increase, and prohibits certain practices like charging fees for presumed service-connected disabilities or claims filed while on active duty. The bill also requires the VA to develop a standard form for fee agreements, create an assessment process for representatives, and implement more rigorous continuing legal education requirements. Additionally, the legislation mandates periodic reviews of the claims representation process, includes penalties for unauthorized fee charging, and provides federal preemption over inconsistent state laws. The overall goal is to protect veterans from predatory practices while ensuring they have access to quality, affordable assistance in navigating the benefits claims process.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (46)
Jack Bergman (R)*,
Mark Alford (R),
Stephanie Bice (R),
Mike Bost (R),
Tim Burchett (R),
Ken Calvert (R),
Rick Crawford (R),
Dan Crenshaw (R),
Scott DesJarlais (R),
Neal Dunn (R),
Chuck Edwards (R),
Gabe Evans (R),
Scott Franklin (R),
Pat Harrigan (R),
Mark Harris (R),
Richard Hudson (R),
Bill Huizenga (R),
John James (R),
Mike Kelly (R),
Trent Kelly (R),
David Kustoff (R),
Nick LaLota (R),
Mike Lawler (R),
Michael McCaul (R),
Richard McCormick (R),
Addison McDowell (R),
Dan Meuser (R),
Max Miller (R),
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R),
Barry Moore (R),
Tim Moore (R),
Dan Newhouse (R),
Zach Nunn (R),
Andy Ogles (R),
John Rose (R),
David Rouzer (R),
María Salazar (R),
Keith Self (R),
Lloyd Smucker (R),
Pete Stauber (R),
Bryan Steil (R),
Jeff Van Drew (R),
Derrick Van Orden (R),
Ann Wagner (R),
Daniel Webster (R),
Tony Wied (R),
Last Action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 11. (on 05/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3132/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr3132/BILLS-119hr3132ih.pdf |
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