Fisher House Availability Act of 2026

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3726) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make temporary lodging facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs available for certain TRICARE beneficiaries on a space-available basis, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3726

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Fisher House Availability Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. AVAILABILITY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TEMPORARY LODGING TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

Section 1708 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``in connection with'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``in accordance with this section.'';

(2) in subsection (b)--

(A) in paragraph (2)--

(i) by inserting ``described in paragraph (1)'' after ``family of a veteran''; and

(ii) by inserting ``such'' after ``accompany''; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

``(3) On a space-available basis, a covered beneficiary who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.

``(4) On a space-available basis, a member of the family of a covered beneficiary described in paragraph (3) and others who accompany such a covered beneficiary who is receiving care or services and provide the equivalent of familial support for such beneficiary when the covered beneficiary or the family member is traveling to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.

``(5) On a space-available basis, a veteran and a member of the family of a veteran and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran's family to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.

``(6) On a space available basis, a covered beneficiary and a member of the family of a covered beneficiary and others who must travel a significant distance for a member of the covered beneficiary's family to receive care or services at a Department or non-Department facility.'';

(3) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;

(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (d)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)'';

(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``under subsection (b)(2)'' and inserting ``or a covered beneficiary under subsection (b)'';

(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;

(D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and

(E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):

``(5) establishing criteria for providing access to temporary lodging facilities on a space-available basis under paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (b); and''; and

(5) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

``(e) In this section:

``(1) The term `covered beneficiary' means a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.

``(2) The term `Fisher house' means a housing facility that--

``(A) is located at, or in proximity to, a Department medical facility;

``(B) is available for residential use on a temporary basis by patients of that facility and others described in subsection (b); and

``(C) is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc.''. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION.

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 31, 2033'' and inserting ``July 31, 2033''.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BOST. 3726, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3726, the Fisher House Availability Act of 2026, offered by Representative Dr. Miller-Meeks.

The Fisher House Foundation has done great work for our military and veteran families by providing a place to stay while their loved one received medical care.

Helping to ease the emotional and financial burdens, this bill would further that mission by extending eligibility to servicemembers' families, allowing them to stay in these temporary VA lodging facilities.

Simply put, if these homes have space, our military families should be able to use them.

Dr. Miller-Meeks' bill would also improve coordination between VA and DOW, so that we can ensure our military families have the best quality of life.

This bill would also maximize the use of existing resources and help ensure veterans' families have access to safe and affordable lodging when they need it most.

This is a practical solution that makes better use of resources already available to support both those who have served our Nation and their families.

I thank my friend, our Health Subcommittee chairwoman, Dr. Miller- Meeks, for her work on expanding healthcare access.

Mr. Speaker, our servicemembers, veterans, and their families have sacrificed greatly on behalf of this country. I believe we should ensure they have the support and stability they have earned while receiving medical care. This bill answers the call.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3726, as amended.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. This is an opportunity to take advantage of the kindness of family and to continue to do that with everybody who needs this.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source