Chairman Bost Applauds Final Passage of FY26 NDAA, Locks Key Wins to Build Up Transition Assistance Program, Toxic Exposure Benefits Delivery

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), released the following statement after the House passed S. 1071, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included key Transition Assistance Program (TAP) reforms Chairman Bost secured in the final text to add accountability in the program, modernize offered services, and improve pathways for servicemembers and their spouses to take TAP - a top priority for Chairman Bost. The final text also includes key provisions to build on the PACT Act by cutting back the paperwork burden for veterans who apply for VA disability compensation benefits and were exposed to toxins during their time in service.

Under current law, the TAP program must begin no later than 365 days prior to separation for those who are transitioning out of the military. While TAP has evolved over the years, the most recent Congressionally mandated report as well as committee oversight hearings have revealed that only 50% of transitioning servicemembers make it to TAP on time at the 365-day mark. This number is concerning, as the Committee continues to look at ways to improve TAP - both through legislation and oversight - to ensure that veterans are equipped with all the resources and knowledge of the VA benefits they are eligible for to prepare them for their next mission after they leave the military.

"As Chairman, I have met with servicemembers, and their families stationed at home and around the world and heard firsthand their struggles when it comes to navigating the transition from active-duty to civilian life. We have worked hard to move the needle on TAP to get servicemembers - regardless of rank - the best program that meets their individual needs, but there is always more work to be done," said Chairman Bost. "The provisions I secured in this year's NDAA build on our efforts and will bring needed improvements to TAP by requiring pre-transition counseling, improving methods for spouses to also attend TAP, modernizing the financial planning section, expanding the network of resources available to servicemembers and new veterans, and more," Chairman Bost continued. "These changes will make a real difference in our servicemembers overall experience with TAP, and I am grateful to my friend, Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, for working with me to secure these vitally important provisions in this year's NDAA on behalf of servicemembers and their families."

Chairman Bost fought for the following provisions which were included in the negotiated version of the FY26 NDAA:

Waiver for Certain Members of the Reserve Components - Provides a waiver for certain members of the Reserve, allowing them to attend TAP every three years, unless there is relevant new information.

Pilot Program for Military Spouses - Makes it easier for spouses to receive TAP information by creating a program specific to spouses and meet the needs that transition is an event for the whole family, not just the servicemember.

Enhanced Financial Planning Counseling - Expands TAP's financial guidance to include individualized counseling on loans, debt management, and overall financial readiness.

Strengthened Requirement for Separation Counseling - Ensures pre-separation counseling is delivered in person whenever possible to improve quality and engagement.

Tracking TAP Timeliness and Participation - Directs DoD to monitor when servicemembers begin TAP to improve accountability and ensure timely access to transition resources.

Improved Access to Veteran Resources - Requires VA to maintain an online resource hub allowing veterans and families to easily search by ZIP code for local programs and assistance.

Annual Reporting on TAP Outcomes - Mandates detailed yearly reporting on TAP participation, completion rates, and counseling timelines to drive program improvement.

Codification and Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record

Automatic Inclusion of Exposure Data in Service Records - Ensures toxic exposures are documented during service, preventing veterans from having to prove exposures years later.

Improved DoD-VA Information Sharing - Grants VA clinicians, researchers, and benefits staff full access to exposure information, strengthening care, claims decisions, and long-term research.

Support for Faster, Fairer VA Claims - Provides VA with a veteran's complete exposure history upfront, reducing delays and unnecessary denials as new veterans apply for VA disability compensation benefits.