Press Releases

WASHINGTON— Today, House Republicans passed H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026, championed by Representative Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), to deliver long-overdue increases in compensation for disabled veterans and surviving military families, delivering on the promises made to make life more affordable for America’s heroes and those who care for them.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Barrett released the following statements:

“Service does not end when the war is over, and sacrifice does not disappear when the uniform comes off,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Our disabled veterans and surviving families have carried the weight of that sacrifice for far too long, and our nation has a responsibility to stand by them long after the mission ends. I’m proud to stand with my Republican colleagues in making sure that commitment actually means something—and that we are making life more affordable and taking care of those who have given so much in the name of freedom.”

“Our nation can never fully repay the debt we owe to the heroes and families who have served and sacrificed for our freedom,” said Rep. Barrett. “But passing my bipartisan legislation today is further proof that we will never stop trying. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act will finally deliver a long-overdue increase in financial support for catastrophically injured veterans and the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I worked hard with my colleagues to get this bill done and am proud it includes another one of my bills to help more service members and veterans achieve the American Dream of homeownership. These benefit expansions will help our veterans and military families who have given so much for our nation.”

H.R. 6047 supports over 500,000 surviving military families by raising their compensation by 5 percent over five years and provides an extra $10,000 a year to roughly 7,000 severely disabled veterans who need in-home care. The bill helps ensure surviving families and severely disabled veterans receive the financial support they've earned while receiving care for at home. This legislation also expands access to VA home loans for certain Guard and Reserve members.