Reps. Ciscomani and Van Orden Introduce VA Home Loan Affordability Act to Expand Access to Homeownership for Veterans

Washington, D.C. - Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Derrick Van Orden are leading an effort to remove barriers in the Veterans Administration home loan process to make it easier for veterans - especially those in rural communities - to access the benefits they have earned.

The Congressmen, both members of the House Veterans Committee, last week introduced H.R. 8532, the VA Home Loan Affordability Act.

Since its creation in 1944, the VA Home Loan Program has helped millions of veterans, servicemembers, and surviving spouses achieve homeownership through favorable terms, such as zero-down payments and competitive interest rates. However, the program has not kept pace with today's housing market.

"Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, especially for our veterans who should not face delays when buying a home because of outdated bureaucracy that has only made it increasingly difficult to access the benefits they have earned," said Rep. Ciscomani. "The VA Home Loan Affordability Act will modernize the home loan process, align it with other federal programs, and ensure that those who served our country can achieve homeownership without unnecessary barriers. I'm proud to have co-led this effort with Rep. Van Orden to further expand opportunities for the men and women who have worn the uniform faithfully serving our nation."

H.R. 8532 aims to bring concrete solutions to the ongoing challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program, including a nationwide shortage of certified appraisers that has led to delays and limited access for veterans seeking to become homeowners.

"The VA Home Loan program is one of the most powerful tools we have to expand economic opportunity for veterans and their families and it must keep pace with today's housing market. The VA Home Loan Affordability Act ensures veterans can access a faster, more efficient path to homeownership. This is a decisive step to strengthen a program that has already helped millions and ensure it continues delivering for the next generation of American heroes," said Rep. Van Orden.

The VA Home Loan Affordability Act would modernize the system by reducing the time required to become a certified VA appraiser from the current 3-5 years to align with the 12-18-month timeline for state certification. Additionally, it includes provisions to cap closing costs at 1.5% and limit seller concessions to 6%, aligning VA standards with those of the Federal Housing Administration. The bill also directs the VA to review and update its minimum property requirements and appraisal processes to eliminate outdated regulations, thereby streamlining access for veterans.

The legislation is also supported by Reps. Tom Barrett and Jenn Kiggans.

By cutting red tape and modernizing the VA Home Loan Program to align with existing federal standards, the VA Home Loan Affordability Act takes a much-needed step forward, ensuring veterans and their beneficiaries have an affordable path to homeownership. The legislation reinforces our shared commitment to our American heroes who have served our country by strengthening one of the most meaningful tools available to support their transition to civilian life.

The VA Home Loan Affordability Act is the most recent example of Rep. Ciscomani's advocacy for veterans in Washington. Since taking office in 2023, he has championed legislation aimed at improving healthcare and benefits for veterans and their families; helping veterans seeking job training in high-tech industries; and developing individualized healthcare plans for disabled veterans.

The Congressman's work is not just limited to Capitol Hill. His district office is dedicated to helping veterans navigate federal agencies to ensure they receive the benefits and support their service has earned. Through casework, his team has returned over $7.5 million to veterans in our district.

In addition, Congressman Ciscomani recently secured a key NIH and CDC clarification to support individuals who rely on service dogs, following several veterans being denied opportunities due to misinterpreted guidance. He engaged directly with these Agencies to address the issue. This new clarification protects service animals as disability accommodations for scientists and researchers, a field with a high number of veterans, and requires that access decisions for institutions and labs be based on individualized risk assessments, not broad or outdated interpretations that categorically exclude those with a disability. These efforts reflect the Congressman's commitment to ensuring veterans receive the benefits and accommodations they have faithfully earned.

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