H.R. 659 Passed the House Armed Forces and National Security

Veterans Law Judge Experience Act of 2025

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to give priority to individuals with certain professional experience in recommending such individuals to serve as members of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] Introduced January 23, 2025 Cosponsors 4 (4 D) Latest action January 26, 2026

Summary

Veterans Law Judge Experience Act of 2025
This bill requires the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to prioritize individuals with three or more years of legal professional experience in relevant legal areas when recommending individuals to the Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as members of the Board.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jan 26, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  2. Jan 20, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Jan 20, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H936)
  4. Jan 20, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 659.
  5. Jan 20, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H936-937)
  6. Jan 20, 2026 Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  7. Sep 26, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 263.
  8. Sep 26, 2025 Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-309.
  9. Jul 23, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
  10. Jul 23, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  11. Jul 3, 2025 Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
  12. Jun 24, 2025 Subcommittee Hearings Held

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