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Can Congress Deliver Before Recess?
From TCAVA negotiations to VA reforms, here's what's shaping this week in Washington.
Congress returns this week facing one of the busiest legislative stretches before the August recess, with major decisions looming on veterans' legislation, defense policy, and government funding. While the House unexpectedly pulled the Take Care of America's Veterans Act from the floor last week, negotiations continue as lawmakers race against the legislative calendar. Meanwhile, the VA is moving forward with reforms to improve benefits delivery, and the nation is mourning the loss of soldiers killed during the escalating conflict with Iran. Here's what we're watching in Washington this week.
Crunch Time: TCAVA negotiations, House sprint to recess, NDAA and funding deadlines
Serving Veterans, Veteran support for TCAVA, VA infrastructure investments, simpler benefits applications
Beyond the Beltway: Soldiers killed in Jordan, escalating Iran conflict
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Joint Event, Green Star: Other Event
Wednesday, July 22nd
🖥️ Full Committee Hearing: “Advancing the Mission: Evaluating the Future of VA Research” Senate Veterans Affairs at 4:00 pm. Watch here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
Honoring the service and sacrifice of Pvt. Isabella Gonzales and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan.
Congressional News
House Republican leaders pulled the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA) from the floor after several Republicans joined Democrats in signaling they would oppose moving forward, largely over concerns with provisions using future VA disability rating changes to offset the cost of expanded benefits. The package includes more than 60 veterans' bills, including the Major Richard Star Act and several long-standing VSO priorities, but leadership indicated negotiations will continue as lawmakers search for a path to passage before the August recess.
With just days remaining before the House is scheduled to recess, Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to advance an ambitious legislative agenda that includes the National Defense Authorization Act, a short-term government funding bill, a budget resolution, and a congressional stock trading ban. The schedule remains fluid as House leadership continues negotiating with conservative members over border security, spending, and election-related priorities that could delay floor action.
Veteran News
A new Mission Roll Call survey found that 71% of veterans support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, highlighting broad backing among veterans for the comprehensive legislative package despite ongoing debate in Congress. Mission Roll Call leaders said the results demonstrate that many veterans prioritize moving forward with long-awaited benefits expansions while lawmakers continue negotiating the bill.
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced more than $1.2 billion in infrastructure investments during the third quarter of FY2026 to modernize medical facilities, improve patient safety, and expand access to care nationwide. The funding will support major construction, facility upgrades, and maintenance projects intended to strengthen the VA's long-term healthcare capacity.
VA has proposed eliminating several paperwork requirements for veterans, survivors, and dependents applying for benefits, reducing administrative burdens and shortening processing times. The department estimates the changes would simplify claims submission while improving efficiency for both applicants and VA employees.
National News
The Pentagon identified Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas, and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, as the two U.S. soldiers killed during an Iranian missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan last week. Their deaths bring the number of U.S. military personnel killed since the Iran conflict escalated in February to 17, as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to intensify across the region.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“It's pretty overwhelming. 71% is a significant number in support of this. Now, we understand adults can disagree, and not everything about how this is going to get paid for is what we all want.”
FOR FUN
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22 at 5 PM for the Annual HillVets Recess Party! More details and RSVP here.
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