Veterans and Families to See Benefit Increase

A newly passed bipartisan bill aims to enhance benefits for severely disabled veterans and numerous surviving military families. Known as the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, this legislation cleared the House of Representatives with a 235-179 vote and now moves to the Senate.

Expanded Payments for Veterans and Families

The bill proposes a 1.5% increase in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits over a span of two years. These payments are issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to spouses and family members of service members who died while on duty or from service-related conditions. The legislation also raises Special Monthly Compensation payments by $10,000 annually for veterans with severe injuries and disabilities who require frequent aid or have traumatic brain injuries.

Named after Sharri Briley, widow of Donovan Lee “Bull” Briley, an Army Special Operations pilot killed in 1993, and Sergeant Eric Edmundson, an Army veteran with a severe brain injury, the measure was introduced by Tom Barrett in late 2025. Barrett, an Iraq War veteran, emphasized honoring veterans and their families.

“Our nation cannot fully repay the debt we owe to those who served and sacrificed for our freedom,” Barrett stated. “Passing this bipartisan legislation is a testament to our continuing effort to honor them.”

Home Loan Benefits for Guard and Reserve

The bill includes the Home Affordability for Guard and Reserve Act, expanding access to VA-backed home loans for National Guard and Reserve members. Currently, they must complete six years of service or at least 90 days of non-training federal active duty to qualify for VA home loans. The proposal reduces the threshold to 14 days of active duty or training, broadening loan access for those serving under current eligibility standards.

Funding Changes and Criticism

To fund these benefits, the legislation increases the VA home loan refinance fee from 0.5% to 1.42%, and the loan assumption fee from 0.5% to 1%. It maintains existing funding fee rates for non-disabled veterans. Disabled veterans will remain exempt from these fees.

Some Democrats, despite supporting increased payments, oppose funding the bill by raising fees on other veterans. Over 175 Democrats voted against the bill due to this funding method.

Mark Takano, a California Democrat, expressed concerns about taxing American veterans to fund the bill. “We must increase benefits for survivors and severely injured veterans. However, veterans shouldn’t bear mortgage fees for these benefits; the nation should,” Takano remarked.

Common Defense, a progressive veterans’ group, noted that the change could make refinancing more expensive for financially pressured veterans. “Raising borrowing costs harms military families,” stated Naveed Shah from Common Defense.

Support from Veterans Organizations

The bill has garnered support from numerous veteran organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Wounded Warrior Project. Mike Bost, a Republican and chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, stated, “These American families deserve recognition, and H.R. 6047 takes a step forward after over 20 years.” The bill now awaits Senate consideration.