Veterans Affairs Heritage Act of 2026
This bill supports the Department of Veterans Affairs History Office in preserving the agency’s history and setting up public exhibits ahead of the VA’s centennial in 2030. Within six months, the VA must submit plans to Congress detailing the office's staffing, budget, and construction or renovation projects, including the National VA History Center. The agency's Chief Historian must then deliver annual progress reports to lawmakers through 2030.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Department of Veterans Affairs History OfficeReceives formalized congressional oversight and structured planning for staffing, budget, and facilities (including the National VA History Center) ahead of the 2030 centennial.
Who it burdens
- Secretary of Veterans AffairsMust develop and submit a comprehensive plan within 180 days covering staffing, budget, organizational structure, facility construction/renovation, and legislative recommendations for the VA History Office.
- VA Chief HistorianRequired to prepare and submit annual progress reports on the History Office to congressional committees through December 31, 2030.
The provisions, in plain language.
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a plan to Congress within 180 days detailing proposed activities, staffing, budget, facility construction or renovation, and organizational structure for the Department of Veterans Affairs History Office.
Requires the VA Chief Historian to submit annual progress reports on the History Office to congressional veterans' affairs committees through December 31, 2030.