VA Hiring Integrity Act of 2026
Bars people with specified federal-funds fraud outcomes from certain VA jobs and provides an internal challenge process for one type of finding.
In the House Veterans' Affairs Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
The measure addresses whether people who knowingly commit fraud involving federal funds can work for the VA. It would bar people with specified fraud-related outcomes from certain VA jobs. For one type of agency finding, it would also provide notice and an internal process to challenge the decision.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Bars certain people from health care positions
A person could not be appointed or kept in a Department of Veterans Affairs health care position listed in section 7401(1) if the person knowingly engaged in conduct resulting in specified federal-funds fraud outcomes. These include a qualifying criminal conviction, a final False Claims Act judgment, exclusion from federal health care programs, or a determination by the Secretary that the person knowingly took part in a scheme involving federal funds or assistance.
- Bars certain additional VA employees
The Secretary could not appoint or keep an additional employee under section 7408 if the person knowingly engaged in conduct resulting in a qualifying criminal conviction, a final False Claims Act judgment, or exclusion from federal health care programs.
- Creates a review process for agency findings
For a Secretary's determination about a health care position, the person would be entitled to advance notice and the evidence behind it, and could contest it through an internal grievance process. The person could choose a representative; the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection would decide the grievance, and that decision would be final and conclusive.
The bill concerns the consequences of knowingly engaging in fraud involving federal money for people seeking or holding VA jobs. The practical stakes are both the integrity of those hires and the process used when the VA Secretary makes a determination rather than relying on a listed conviction, judgment, or exclusion.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Gosar with 34 original cosponsorsReferred to Veterans' Affairs
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026VETERANS' AFFAIRS NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 18 states
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Gosar’s record: sponsored 27 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 1 became law.
- Mark AlfordR-MO-4ORIGINAL
- James R. BairdR-IN-4ORIGINAL
- Aaron BeanR-FL-4ORIGINAL
- Jack BergmanR-MI-1ORIGINAL
- Sheri BiggsR-SC-3ORIGINAL
- Gus M. BilirakisR-FL-12ORIGINAL
- Mike BostR-IL-12ORIGINAL
- Josh BrecheenR-OK-2ORIGINAL
- Tim BurchettR-TN-2ORIGINAL
- Buddy CarterR-GA-1ORIGINAL
- Michael CloudR-TX-27ORIGINAL
- Warren DavidsonR-OH-8ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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