Barrett-Led Provisions to Authorize and Extend Critical Veteran Service Programs Signed into Law

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, key provisions Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) led to authorize and extend critical veteran service programs were extended as part of the government funding legislation (H.R. 5371) President Donald Trump signed into law. These provisions, which Barrett introduced in September as part of his VA Extenders Act of 2025, reauthorize essential benefits, health care, and other services for veterans. 

“After the uncertainty veterans experienced during the longest government shutdown in history, the least we can do is give them the peace of mind that the critical services and benefits they rely on will not be interrupted for the foreseeable future,” said Barrett. “Reauthorizing this wide range of VA services, from suicide prevention programs to housing assistance, was absolutely necessary to give every man and woman who served our country the certainty of knowing they’ll be supported when they return home — no matter what. I was proud to lead this important effort in Congress and see these provisions signed into law this week.”

This congressional reauthorization will allow for the uninterrupted delivery of care for severely disabled veterans, operation of suicide prevention services, investment in rural health care for veterans, preservation of education benefits, and access to critical housing resources. Specific authorizations from Barrett’s VA Extenders Act of 2025 that were signed into law include:

• Authorizing the VA to provide nursing home care for severely disabled veterans;
• Authorizing the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program;
• Continued funding for the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program to expand rural mental health centers;
• Preserving education benefits for veterans impacted by school closures;
• Allowing contractor physicians to conduct disability exams;
• Extending critical housing programs, including supportive services for veteran families, assistance for homeless veterans with special needs, and adapted housing support for disabled veterans;
• Strengthening VA’s Partial Claim Program to better protect veteran homeowners;
• Requiring transparent reporting to ensure necessary oversight; and
• Continuing vital transportation services for veterans traveling to medical appointments.

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