GUARD VA Benefits Act

Download PDF
Bill ID: 119/hr/1732
Last Updated: April 7, 2026

Sponsored by

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

ID: P000614

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Committee Hearings Held

March 18, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

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

🗳️

Floor Action

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 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

Federal Budget & Appropriations Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Congressional Rules & Procedures Transportation & Infrastructure Government Operations & Accountability National Security & Intelligence Small Business & Entrepreneurship State & Local Government Affairs Civil Rights & Liberties
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

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

Congress 119 • 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
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES CHAIRMAN
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO CHAIRMAN
Individual BIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS PARTNER EMERITUS
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE CHAIRMAN & CEO
Individual GENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT CEO
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

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

ID: V000133

Top Contributors

10

1
WINRED
PAC ARLINGTON, VA
$6,781
Jan 26, 2024
2
WINRED
PAC ARLINGTON, VA
$868
Feb 16, 2024
3
ACE LISTENGER ENTERPRISES LLC
Organization LOUISVILLE, KY
$500
Sep 30, 2024
4
SPTWO LLC
Organization NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ
$500
Sep 30, 2024
5
TEC AEROSPACE, LLC
Organization CLAYTON, NJ
$500
Jun 30, 2024
6
FV REDEMPTION LLC
Organization CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ
$500
Jun 27, 2024
7
CHARLES MARANDINO LLC
Organization MILMAY, NJ
$105
May 15, 2024
8
FORMAN, RICHARD P
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual CHERRY HILL, NJ
$6,600
Nov 29, 2023
9
HOLLANDER, SCOTT
PULSE VASCULAR PHYSICIAN
Individual MULLICA HILL, NJ
$6,600
Feb 16, 2024
10
LAUDEMAN, KEITH MR
COLD SPRING FISH FISH DEALER
Individual CAPE MAY, NJ
$6,600
May 8, 2023

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

ID: T000193

Top Contributors

10

1
ACTBLUE
COM SOMERVILLE, MA
$500
Oct 27, 2024
2
ACTBLUE
COM SOMERVILLE, MA
$30
Nov 3, 2024
3
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND OF MIWOK INDIANS
Organization SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2023
4
YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION
Organization BROOKS, CA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
5
YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION
Organization BROOKS, CA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
6
EASTERN BANK OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Feb 7, 2024
7
HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE
Organization UPPER LAKE, CA
$3,300
Jun 23, 2024
8
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
May 23, 2023
9
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
May 23, 2023
10
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
Organization OROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2024

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

ID: R000617

Top Contributors

10

1
SIBLANI, ALI EL
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI
$6,600
Nov 11, 2023
2
ROGERS, JOHN
ARIEL INVESTMENTS LLC CHAIRMAN
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jun 29, 2023
3
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC CEO
Individual MOKENA, IL
$5,600
Nov 19, 2023
4
REHMAN, MOHAMMED
HUBCOM IT
Individual NAPERVILLE, IL
$5,000
Nov 19, 2023
5
REZNICK, DEBORAH
POLK BROS FOUNDATION PROGRAM OFFICER
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$5,000
Dec 28, 2023
6
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC CEO
Individual MOKENA, IL
$4,000
Nov 19, 2023
7
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
Individual MOKENA, IL
$4,000
Dec 4, 2023
8
AKHTER, REHAN
OPTIMA LAB PRESIDENT
Individual LAKE FOREST, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
9
ANWAR, NAVEED
GILLONS INC MANUFACTURER
Individual ORLAND PARK, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
10
HORNSTEIN, NORBERT
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual WASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Sep 10, 2024

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

ID: G000592

Top Contributors

10

1
PENOBSCOT INDIAN NATION
Organization INDIAN ISLAND, ME
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Feb 8, 2024
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 13, 2024
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
5
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
Organization FULTON, MI
$2,000
Oct 15, 2024
6
PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE AT INDIAN TOWNSHIP
Organization PERRY, ME
$1,000
Oct 28, 2024
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Oct 31, 2024
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,000
Jun 27, 2024
9
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Sep 26, 2024
10
KIRK, GARRETT JR
SELF EMPLOYED INVESTOR
Individual NEW 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 SENATOR
COM BURKE, VA
$250
Mar 19, 2024
2
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
Organization RICHMOND, VA
$2,900
Jun 22, 2023
3
HERSHMAN, MICHAEL J.
THE FAIRFAX GROUP PRESIDENT
Individual DELRAY BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 24, 2024
4
TRONE, DAVID
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTATIVE
Individual POTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Dec 9, 2024
5
MISENER, PAUL E
SELF-EMPLOYED LAWYER
Individual GREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 21, 2023
6
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP CONSULTANT
Individual MCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
7
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP CONSULTANT
Individual MCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
8
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED NONE
Individual MCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
9
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED NONE
Individual MCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
10
RABAUT, TOM W
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual GREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 27, 2023

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

ID: B001298

Top Contributors

10

1
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Jun 27, 2023
5
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 27, 2023
7
REPUBLICAN MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
Organization WASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 11, 2024
8
CARSON, RUSSELL S.
THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST PHILANTHROPY
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Apr 24, 2024
9
FRANK, JIM
2FILLC EXEC
Individual WINNETKA, IL
$6,600
Apr 23, 2024
10
DANIELS, BRANDON
EXIGER CEO
Individual RICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Apr 21, 2024

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

ID: M001220

Top Contributors

10

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

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

ID: P000597

Top Contributors

10

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$5,000
Aug 6, 2024
2
MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION
Organization MASHANTUCKET, CT
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 5, 2023
4
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Jun 11, 2024
5
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 18, 2024
6
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
Organization OROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
7
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,700
Sep 19, 2024
8
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
Organization DURANT, OK
$1,650
Sep 30, 2023
9
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization MARICOPA, AZ
$1,000
Oct 18, 2024
10
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
Organization OKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Dec 26, 2023

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

ID: K000385

Top Contributors

10

1
REPUBLICAN MAINSTREET PARTNERSHIP PAC
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Nov 30, 2023
2
PASCUA YAQUI TRIBE
Organization TUCSON, AZ
$3,300
Oct 23, 2023
3
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$2,500
May 23, 2024
4
GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization SACATON, AZ
$1,000
Jun 15, 2023
5
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Aug 12, 2024
6
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Organization EL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Dec 31, 2024
7
MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBE
Organization LEDYARD, CT
$3,300
Oct 23, 2023
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 24, 2023
9
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
10
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,000
Sep 30, 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 42 nodes and 40 connections

Total contributions: $128,429

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

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

4 Orgs19 Individuals