GUARD VA Benefits Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1732
Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

ID: P000614

Follow the money

The bill

GUARD VA Benefits Act

HR. 1732, 119th Congress β€” read as touching For-Profit Education & Student Loans.

The sponsor

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$75,750 raised

25 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Committee Hearings Held

March 17, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

πŸ“ Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

πŸ—³οΈ

Floor Action

βœ…

Passed House

πŸ›οΈ

Senate Review

πŸŽ‰

Passed Congress

πŸ–ŠοΈ

Presidential Action

βš–οΈ

Became Law

πŸ“š How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another brilliant example of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

The GUARD VA Benefits Act? Please. This bill has nothing to do with veterans' benefits or guarding anything except the fragile egos of its sponsors. It's a thinly veiled attempt to declare English as the official language of the United States, because, you know, that's not already implied by the fact that we're an English-speaking country.

New regulations? Oh boy, where do I even start? This bill creates a whole new chapter in Title 4 of the US Code, dedicated to declaring English as the official language. Because, apparently, our lawmakers have nothing better to do than create redundant legislation. It's like they're trying to win some sort of bet on who can come up with the most unnecessary laws.

Affected industries and sectors? Well, it seems that every federal agency will be impacted by this bill, because now they'll all have to conduct their official functions in English. Wow, what a groundbreaking concept. I'm sure the millions of non-English speakers living in the US are just thrilled to hear that they'll have to learn a new language to interact with their government.

Compliance requirements and timelines? Ha! This bill doesn't even bother to specify any concrete deadlines or enforcement mechanisms. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know this is all just for show, so let's not worry about the details." The only timeline mentioned is the one that gives Congress a pat on the back for declaring English as the official language.

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties? *crickets* That's right, folks. This bill doesn't even bother to specify any consequences for non-compliance. It's like they're counting on everyone to just magically start speaking English because they said so.

Economic and operational impacts? Oh, this is where it gets really rich. The bill claims that declaring English as the official language will somehow "preserve and enhance" its role in federal government functions. I'm not sure what kind of fantasy world these lawmakers live in, but in reality, this bill will likely lead to increased costs for translation services, more bureaucratic red tape, and a whole lot of unnecessary paperwork.

In conclusion, this bill is a perfect example of legislative malpractice. It's a solution in search of a problem, designed to pander to xenophobic voters and distract from real issues. I give it two thumbs down, and a healthy dose of skepticism for anyone who thinks this will actually accomplish anything meaningful.

Related Topics

Military & Veterans Affairs
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

πŸ’° Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Congress 119 β€’ 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$75,750
23 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$9,750
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$3,300
2
THE CHICKSAW NATION
2 transactions
$3,300
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$1,650
4
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$1,500

No committee contributions found

1
HOSTETTER, BARBARA
2 transactions
$6,600
2
DUDA, JENNIFER
1 transaction
$3,300
3
JURVETSON, KARLA
1 transaction
$3,300
4
SCHUSTER, MARK
1 transaction
$3,300
5
STOVER, MATTHEW
1 transaction
$3,300
6
WALSH, MARK
1 transaction
$3,300
7
SCHIFFRIN, RICHARD
1 transaction
$3,300
8
HOSTETTER, AMOS
1 transaction
$3,300
9
SANDBERG, SHERYL
1 transaction
$3,300
10
SOROS, JONATHAN
1 transaction
$3,300
11
SAMUELSON, MARTHA S
1 transaction
$3,300
12
ELDRIDGE, SEAN S
1 transaction
$3,300
13
SCHMIDT, ERIC
1 transaction
$3,300
14
PIERCE, CHRISTOPHER
1 transaction
$3,300
15
LEIFER, ALAN
1 transaction
$3,300
16
TARPEY, THOMAS
1 transaction
$3,300
17
LEIFER, MARCIA
1 transaction
$3,300
18
GURAL, JEFFREY
1 transaction
$3,300
19
BEEUWKES, REINIER
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES β€’ CHAIRMAN
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO β€’ CHAIRMAN
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS β€’ PARTNER EMERITUS
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE β€’ CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualGENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT β€’ CEO
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

ID: V000133

Top Contributors

10

1
WINRED
PACARLINGTON, VA
$6,781
Jan 26, 2024
2
WINRED
PACARLINGTON, VA
$868
Feb 16, 2024
3
ACE LISTENGER ENTERPRISES LLC
OrganizationLOUISVILLE, KY
$500
Sep 30, 2024
4
SPTWO LLC
OrganizationNORTH WILDWOOD, NJ
$500
Sep 30, 2024
5
TEC AEROSPACE, LLC
OrganizationCLAYTON, NJ
$500
Jun 30, 2024
6
FV REDEMPTION LLC
OrganizationCAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ
$500
Jun 27, 2024
7
CHARLES MARANDINO LLC
OrganizationMILMAY, NJ
$105
May 15, 2024
8
FORMAN, RICHARD P
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualCHERRY HILL, NJ
$6,600
Nov 29, 2023
9
HOLLANDER, SCOTT
PULSE VASCULAR β€’ PHYSICIAN
IndividualMULLICA HILL, NJ
$6,600
Feb 16, 2024
10
LAUDEMAN, KEITH MR
COLD SPRING FISH β€’ FISH DEALER
IndividualCAPE MAY, NJ
$6,600
May 8, 2023

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

ID: T000193

Top Contributors

10

1
LA, TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE
N/A β€’ N/A
IndividualMARKSVILLE, LA
$5,000
Feb 7, 2024
2
DINKLER, AYAME MS.
CRANE STRATEGIC, LLC β€’ OWNER
IndividualNEW ORLEANS, LA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
3
REEVES, JAMES
SELF β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualBILOXI, MS
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
4
WISMEIER, MOLLY
RESTAURANT R'EVOLUTION β€’ DIRECTOR OF WINE AND SPIRITS
IndividualNEW ORLEANS, LA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
5
STAFFORD, MARK MR.
DRC EMERGENCY SERVICES β€’ CHIEF OF OPERATIONS
IndividualBALA CYNWYD, PA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
6
ASHY, ALTON MR.
ADVANCED STRATEGIES β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualBATON ROUGE, LA
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
7
LA, TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE
N/A β€’ N/A
IndividualMARKSVILLE, LA
$3,300
Dec 27, 2023
8
INDIANS, AGUA CALIENTE BAND O
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 27, 2023
9
LAMPTON, WILLIAM
ERGON, INC. β€’ VP PUBLIC AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT RELATIO
IndividualJACKSON, MS
$3,300
Oct 27, 2023
10
WALTON, JAMES
SELF β€’ WALTON ENTERPRISES
IndividualBENTONVILLE, AR
$3,300
Feb 7, 2024

Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]

ID: R000617

Top Contributors

10

1
SIBLANI, ALI EL
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualDEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI
$6,600
Nov 11, 2023
2
ROGERS, JOHN
ARIEL INVESTMENTS LLC β€’ CHAIRMAN
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jun 29, 2023
3
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC β€’ CEO
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$5,600
Nov 19, 2023
4
REHMAN, MOHAMMED
HUBCOM β€’ IT
IndividualNAPERVILLE, IL
$5,000
Nov 19, 2023
5
REZNICK, DEBORAH
POLK BROS FOUNDATION β€’ PROGRAM OFFICER
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$5,000
Dec 28, 2023
6
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC β€’ CEO
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$4,000
Nov 19, 2023
7
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$4,000
Dec 4, 2023
8
AKHTER, REHAN
OPTIMA LAB β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualLAKE FOREST, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
9
ANWAR, NAVEED
GILLONS INC β€’ MANUFACTURER
IndividualORLAND PARK, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
10
HORNSTEIN, NORBERT
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Sep 10, 2024

Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]

ID: G000592

Top Contributors

10

1
PENOBSCOT INDIAN NATION
OrganizationINDIAN ISLAND, ME
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Feb 8, 2024
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 13, 2024
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
5
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
OrganizationFULTON, MI
$2,000
Oct 15, 2024
6
PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE AT INDIAN TOWNSHIP
OrganizationPERRY, ME
$1,000
Oct 28, 2024
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Oct 31, 2024
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Jun 27, 2024
9
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Sep 26, 2024
10
KIRK, GARRETT JR
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ INVESTOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Nov 2, 2024

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

ID: C001078

Top Contributors

10

1
FOR SENATE, MARSDEN
MARSDEN FOR SENATE COMMITTEE β€’ SENATOR
COMBURKE, VA
$250
Mar 19, 2024
2
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
OrganizationRICHMOND, VA
$2,900
Jun 22, 2023
3
HERSHMAN, MICHAEL J.
THE FAIRFAX GROUP β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualDELRAY BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 24, 2024
4
TRONE, DAVID
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES β€’ REPRESENTATIVE
IndividualPOTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Dec 9, 2024
5
MISENER, PAUL E
SELF-EMPLOYED β€’ LAWYER
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 21, 2023
6
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP β€’ CONSULTANT
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
7
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP β€’ CONSULTANT
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
8
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED β€’ NONE
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
9
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED β€’ NONE
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
10
RABAUT, TOM W
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 27, 2023

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

ID: B001298

Top Contributors

10

1
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Jun 27, 2023
5
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 27, 2023
7
REPUBLICAN MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 11, 2024
8
CARSON, RUSSELL S.
THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST β€’ PHILANTHROPY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Apr 24, 2024
9
FRANK, JIM
2FILLC β€’ EXEC
IndividualWINNETKA, IL
$6,600
Apr 23, 2024
10
DANIELS, BRANDON
EXIGER β€’ CEO
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Apr 21, 2024

Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]

ID: M001220

Top Contributors

10

1
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Oct 26, 2024
2
LA CASITA CENTER
OrganizationLOUISVILLE, KY
$154
Oct 16, 2023
3
CALOBRACE, BRADLEY
SELF β€’ PHYSICIAN
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$6,600
Oct 18, 2024
4
BROWN, CAMPBELL
BROWN-FORMAN β€’ PRESIDENT OLD FORESTER
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
5
MEHROTRA, LOPA
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualGLENVIEW, KY
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
6
MEHROTRA, RISHABH
AVIONTE β€’ CEO
IndividualGLENVIEW, KY
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
7
HELM, NELSON
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
8
ROTH, EVAN
BBR PARTNERS β€’ CO-CEO
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 18, 2023
9
CHRISTENSEN, JOSH
NORTON HEALTHCARE β€’ PHYSICIAN
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Dec 3, 2023
10
SISCOVICK, TALIA
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSTAMFORD, CT
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023

Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

ID: P000597

Top Contributors

10

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$5,000
Aug 6, 2024
2
MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION
OrganizationMASHANTUCKET, CT
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 5, 2023
4
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Jun 11, 2024
5
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 18, 2024
6
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
OrganizationOROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
7
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,700
Sep 19, 2024
8
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationDURANT, OK
$1,650
Sep 30, 2023
9
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$1,000
Oct 18, 2024
10
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Dec 26, 2023

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

ID: K000385

Top Contributors

10

1
CROKE FOR ILLINOIS
OrganizationCHICAGO, IL
$1,000
Feb 28, 2024
2
COMMITTEE TO ELECT JUSTICE COBBS
OrganizationMATTESON, IL
$500
Feb 28, 2024
3
KELLY, MELINDA
IndividualOAK LAWN, IL
$4,400
Oct 23, 2024
4
AUSTRIACO, AURORA
VALENTINE AUSTRIACO AND BUESCHEL β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualPARK RIDGE, IL
$4,000
Dec 4, 2023
5
AUSTRIACO, AURORA
IndividualPARK RIDGE, IL
$4,000
Dec 5, 2023
6
ROGERS, LARRY R
POWER ROGERS, L.L.P. β€’ ATTORNEY
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,407
Oct 21, 2024
7
ANTUNOVICH, JOSEPH
ANTUNOVICH ASSOCIATES β€’ ARCHITECT
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,407
Sep 28, 2023
8
BONGARD, BETH A.
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualOLYMPIA FIELDS, IL
$3,300
Mar 18, 2024
9
LEWIS, KATRICE
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ MANAGER
IndividualSOUTH HOLLAND, IL
$3,300
Mar 18, 2024
10
MARQUIS, D.L
MARQUIS ENERGY β€’ PRESIDENT & CEO
IndividualPEORIA, IL
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 87 nodes and 40 connections (70 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $136,199

Top Donors - Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

4 Orgs19 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 harmed.

  • Section 2(3) adds a new subsection (b) to Section 5905 of title 38, United States Code, which imposes penalties for charging unauthorized fees relating to claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, potentially affecting for-profit education institutions that charge veterans for services related to their benefits claims.

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