Barrett Introduces Bill to Extend Essential Programs for Veterans

Washington, D.C. - This week, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced the VA Extenders Act of 2025 (H.R. 5420) to maintain essential benefits, health care, and services for veterans. This must-pass legislation is critical to reauthorize key veterans programs that are currently set to expire at the end of September. This includes the ability to provide care for severely disabled veterans, operate suicide prevention services, invest in rural health care for veterans, preserve education benefits, and provide critical housing resources.

"Our veterans sacrificed for this country, and they deserve the certainty of knowing their benefits and services will not be cut off or interrupted," said Barrett. "The VA Extenders Act of 2025 ensures that a wide range of VA services, from suicide prevention programs to housing assistance, continue uninterrupted to support the men and women who served. I'm looking forward to getting this bill across the finish line and signed into law to keep our promise to America's veterans."

BACKGROUND:

Congressman Barrett fought to ensure funding for these critical programs was included in the continuing resolution (H.R. 5371) the House is considering this week. This new bill, H.R. 5420, would authorize and extend these programs through the fiscal year, separate from the continuing resolution. Specifically, the VA Extenders Act of 2025:

• Authorizes the VA to provide nursing home care for severely disabled veterans;
• Authorizes the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program;
• Continues funding the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program to expand rural mental health centers;
• Preserves education benefits for veterans impacted by school closures;
• Allows contractor physicians to conduct disability exams;
• Extends critical housing programs, including supportive services for veteran families, assistance for homeless veterans with special needs, and adapted housing support for disabled veterans;
• Strengthens VA's Partial Claim Program to better protect veteran homeowners;
• Requires transparent reporting to ensure necessary oversight; and
• Continues vital transportation services for veterans traveling to medical appointments.

CLICK HEREto read the bill text.

###