Derrick Van Orden

The Ride in Freedom Act prohibits the District of Columbia from enforcing motorcycle helmet requirements. Specifically, the bill bars DC's Council from enacting and the Mayor from enforcing any law that would require motorcycle or motor-driven cycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. The legislation repeals an existing DC regulation that currently mandates helmet use and amends the DC Home Rule Act to prevent the district from reinstating such requirements in the future. The bill affects anyone who rides motorcycles in DC, potentially exposing them to increased injury risks. There is no specific funding or implementation timeline included in the legislation.

The House Our Heroes Act amends veterans' housing loan programs to help veterans facing financial hardship. The bill gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to offer educational courses to veterans whose VA-guaranteed loans are delinquent or in foreclosure, covering topics like credit improvement, financial management, and loss mitigation options. Additionally, for loans that defaulted between May 1, 2025, and November 28, 2026, the Secretary gains flexibility to offer partial claim payments and modify loan terms such as interest rates or payment schedules without following the normal sequence of collection procedures. This legislation is designed to provide struggling veterans with both financial education and expanded relief options to help them keep their homes.

The K-9 Hero Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations pay for veterinary care expenses of retired working dogs from federal agencies. The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security will jointly administer the program, awarding grants of up to one million dollars per year to eligible nonprofits that care for or provide financial assistance to owners of these retired dogs. According to the bill, approximately 5,100 federal working dogs serve across 40 federal programs, with average annual care costs of around $1,182 per dog, though specialty medical expenses like surgeries and treatments often exceed this amount. The program will operate from 2027 through 2031, with five million dollars authorized in funding each year, and grant recipients must submit annual reports on how funds are used and track health outcomes over five years. The Secretaries will also report to Congress annually on the program's implementation, including the number of retired dogs supported and average expenses per dog.

The VA Police Security Enhancement Act expands the authority and jurisdiction of Department of Veterans Affairs police officers to better protect VA facilities and personnel. The bill broadens the definition of "Department property" that VA police can patrol to include leased buildings and surrounding areas, and allows officers to exercise limited authority off VA property in specific circumstances such as protecting VA employees and property, hot pursuit situations, or under agreements with local law enforcement. The legislation establishes new security requirements at VA facilities including access controls, surveillance systems, and rapid response protocols, while also creating a dedicated Veterans Affairs Police and Security Operations Account with authorized funding for officer employment, training, and security infrastructure that will sunset three years after enactment. The bill requires the VA Secretary to report annually to Congress on police staffing, training, capability gaps, and enforcement activities, and mandates the Comptroller General to evaluate the program's effectiveness after two years. The Secretary must issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.

The VA Home Loan Affordability Act makes several changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs administers its housing loan program for veterans. The bill removes the requirement for third-party verification of lender fees, allows the VA to waive appraisal requirements for refinanced loans, and reduces the minimum interest rate floor for adjustable-rate mortgages from 200 basis points to 75 basis points. The legislation also expands access to VA-guaranteed loans for condominiums by removing certain approval requirements, caps closing costs at 1.5 percent and seller fees at 6 percent of the loan amount, and requires the VA to review and update debt-to-income ratio requirements every two years. Additionally, the bill directs the VA to review property requirements within 90 days and submit a plan to modernize its information technology systems for administering housing loans within 180 days of enactment, with no specific funding amount specified in the legislation.

This bill makes several changes to Veterans Affairs rehabilitation and employment programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It establishes a new bar preventing veterans convicted of assaulting or resisting VA employees from receiving education and rehabilitation benefits, and it extends vocational rehabilitation eligibility for veterans who fail to find employment in their trained occupation within one year of completing training. The bill also implements financial safeguards by requiring VA Secretary approval for equipment purchases exceeding $5,000 and caps total rehabilitation program costs at $250,000 (with automatic annual increases tied to other VA benefit adjustments). Additionally, it expands subsistence allowance eligibility, requires employment counselors at regional VA offices, and prevents veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation from simultaneously receiving disability compensation based on individual unemployability. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit annual reports for five years documenting equipment purchases over $5,000.

H.R. 5866 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release the federal government's reversionary interest in approximately 31.83 acres of land within Wisconsin's Black River State Forest in Millston, allowing the state to exchange this federal land with Deli, Inc., a sphagnum moss production company, in return for approximately 37.27 acres of privately owned land. The federal reversionary interest, established under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, currently requires the state forest land to remain in public use indefinitely, but this bill would remove that restriction as part of the land swap. The Secretary must issue a quitclaim deed conveying the federal interest at no cost to the state before the exchange deeds are recorded, and may make technical corrections to the land descriptions as needed. No new federal funding is required, and the legislation essentially facilitates a land transfer that has already been agreed upon by Wisconsin and the company, contingent on state and federal approvals.

This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to President Donald Trump in recognition of his diplomatic efforts to achieve peace agreements worldwide, particularly highlighting a October 2025 agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. The legislation cites multiple peace negotiations credited to Trump in 2025, including agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan, India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Egypt and Ethiopia, and others, as justification for the honor. The Treasury Secretary would design and strike the gold medal, and may also produce duplicate bronze versions for sale to the public, with proceeds from sales going back to the U.S. Mint to offset costs. No specific funding appropriation or timeline is detailed in the bill beyond authorization for necessary costs to be drawn from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a government shutdown is in effect. Under the amendment, a government shutdown is considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution.

H.R. 5352 would prohibit federal agencies from providing any funding to organizations or institutions that employ people who publicly condone or celebrate political violence and domestic terrorism. The bill applies the federal legal definition of domestic terrorism from existing law and would affect any entity receiving federal funds—including universities, nonprofits, contractors, and other organizations—if they employ individuals who express support for such violence. The legislation does not specify funding amounts, implementation timelines, or enforcement mechanisms, leaving those details to be determined through the legislative process. The bill was introduced in September 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for review.

H.R. 4748 creates a new pathway for foreign agricultural workers to legally work in the United States by allowing certain undocumented farm workers to apply for a temporary nonimmigrant agricultural worker status. To qualify, an alien must have performed agricultural labor in the U.S. for at least two years since January 2021, not have unlawfully received government benefits, and must pay a fee of at least $2,500 (along with their employer paying a similar fee). The bill waives certain grounds of inadmissibility and removability for these workers and grants employers and covered aliens immunity from prosecution for past immigration violations related to their employment. Workers admitted under this program can stay for up to three years, renewable for additional three-year periods, and the entire program is limited to a three-year window beginning when the law is enacted.

H.R. 4271, called the "VR&E Accountability Act," limits how long the Department of Veterans Affairs can extend vocational rehabilitation programs for veterans. Currently, the VA Secretary can extend these job training programs without specific restrictions, but this bill would cap extensions at 96 months (8 years) unless the Secretary first determines that "extraordinary circumstances" apply to a veteran's case. When extending a program beyond 96 months, the VA Secretary must notify both the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs in writing and explain the extraordinary circumstances justifying the extension. The bill affects veterans using the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, which helps eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. There is no specific funding authorized in the bill; it simply adds accountability requirements to an existing program.

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to relax training requirements for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work in nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Specifically, it allows registered nurses who supervise CNA training to qualify with just 2 years of general nursing experience, rather than requiring that some of their experience come from long-term care settings. The change must be finalized within one year of the bill's enactment. This legislation would affect nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities nationwide by potentially expanding the pool of qualified supervisors for CNA training, which supporters argue could help address workforce shortages in these facilities. There is no specific federal funding mentioned in the bill, as it primarily changes regulatory requirements under existing Medicare and Medicaid rules.

This bill reduces the fees that veterans pay when refinancing their VA-guaranteed home loans to secure lower interest rates. Currently, veterans refinancing these loans pay a standard fee; the bill creates a temporary reduction in these fees through a tiered schedule. From August 2025 through the end of 2025, the refinancing fee drops to 0.50 percent, and it decreases further to just 0.25 percent for loans closed between January 2026 and the end of 2027—providing the deepest savings during this window. After 2027, fees gradually increase back to 0.50-0.75 percent through 2035, when they stabilize at 0.50 percent. The bill directly benefits veterans seeking to refinance their home loans by lowering their upfront costs, potentially saving thousands of dollars for those who refinance during the period of lowest fees. No specific funding amount is mentioned, as the bill simply adjusts fee structures rather than allocating new appropriations.

H.R. 3385 directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal definition of a motorcycle within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The new definition specifies that a motorcycle must be a motor vehicle with a seat requiring the rider to sit astride, powered by motive force, having no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, controlled by handlebars for steering, and capable of exceeding 30 mph. This bill affects motorcycle manufacturers, riders, and owners, as well as the transportation industry that must comply with the updated federal regulations. The legislation does not include explicit funding provisions, as it simply requires the Department of Transportation to issue regulatory guidance based on the definition provided in the bill.

This bill updates the Veterans Affairs Department's Solid Start program, which provides outreach to newly separated military veterans during their transition to civilian life. Currently, the program is limited to contacting veterans through tailored mailings, but this legislation expands those outreach methods to include text messaging, virtual chat services, and other electronic communications. The change allows the VA to reach veterans through modern communication channels they may prefer, potentially improving engagement with the program. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are specified in the legislation. The bill affects all veterans eligible for the Solid Start program and was referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember’s Experience Act or the ETS ActThis bill expands the provision of pre-separation counseling under the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and other services for members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life.Regarding pre-separation counseling under TAP, the billsets a minimum duration of counseling depending on a member's post-service employment, education, or training status;prohibits individuals who are responsible for the retention of members in any of the Armed Forces from providing counseling;removes restrictions on the types of counseling for which a spouse of a member may be included;expands financial planning counseling to include information about debt and investing;requires that financial planning counseling be provided by an individual who has significant experience in financial planning; andrequires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor to audit counseling annually.If a military department determines an individual is at risk for a difficult transition to civilian life, that department must provide the individual's information to the VA and Labor. The VA and Labor must timely contact the individual, as specified.Additionally, the bill extends transitional health care for members separating from service to 270 days (currently 180).The bill alsoexpands eligibility for certain Labor job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to members of the Armed Forces who are eligible for TAP; andexpands the Solid Start program by requiring the VA to provide TAP materials to veterans and analyze data assessing the effectiveness of TAP.

TAP Promotion ActThis bill requires that pre-separation counseling under the Transition Assistance Program include a presentation that promotes the benefits available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill also requires the VA to annually report on the presentation to (1) identify veterans service organizations that participate, (2) provide the number of members of the Armed Forces who attend, and (3) provide any recommendations for changes to the presentation.

This bill limits the Department of Veterans Affairs' ability to purchase VA-guaranteed home loans to prevent defaults. Specifically, it caps the VA at purchasing no more than 250 loans per fiscal year—a significant reduction from current practice. The legislation affects veterans with VA home loans and the VA's loan servicing operations. Additionally, the bill requires the VA Secretary to submit a report within 180 days outlining a plan to sell loans the department has acquired since May 31, 2024, to private entities rather than holding them. The bill contains no specific new federal funding but aims to reshape how the VA manages troubled veteran mortgages going forward.

VA Home Loan Program Reform ActThis act authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take certain actions in cases of default on home loans under the VA home loan program, establishes a partial claim program, and temporarily increases amounts authorized for transitional housing and supportive services for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.First, the act authorizes the VA to pay the holder of a loan guaranteed by the VA an amount necessary to avoid the foreclosure of the loan, provided that the holder of the loan and the veteran obligated on the loan execute documents to ensure the VA obtains a secured interest in the property covered by the loan.The VA must prescribe loss mitigation procedures to help prevent the foreclosure of such a home loan. The VA may not take specified administrative actions (e.g., consent to the modification of loan terms) until the sequence of mitigation options has been completed.Next, the act establishes a five-year Partial Claim Program under which the VA may make a partial claim (purchase a portion of the indebtedness) on VA loans for primary residences that are in default or at imminent risk of default. Individuals who default on loans for which the VA has made a partial claim under this program must be liable to the VA for any loss resulting from the default.Further, the VA must report to Congress on its strategy to ensure that veterans who purchase homes under the VA home loan program are not at a disadvantage when attempting to secure representation by a real estate agent or broker.Finally, the act temporarily increases the amounts authorized for the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program for FY2025 and FY2026. (The program provides funding to public or nonprofit private entities that provide housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness.)

This bill provides statutory authority for, and increases, the maximum monthly allowances for milk under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to address the specific nutritional needs of income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk. Currently, federal regulations list seven WIC food packages, which specify eligible foods (e.g., milk, fruits and vegetables) and their quantities (i.e., a maximum monthly allowance). Specifically, Food Package IV applies to children who are one year through four years old. Food Packages V through VII apply to pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals.For Food Packages IV through VII, the bill establishes a maximum monthly allowance for milk of 16 to 24 quarts, depending on the food package, compared to 12 to 16 quarts under current regulations.

This resolution impeaches Paul Engelmayer, a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Agriculture Grants for Veterans Education and Training Services Act or the AG VETS ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for veterans through education and training services.Entities eligible for the grants include cooperative extension services, land-grant colleges and universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations.

H.R. 984 makes it easier for veterans to receive compensation when the Department of Veterans Affairs makes administrative mistakes that harm them. Currently, the VA has discretion to provide relief; this bill changes that to require the VA to provide relief within 120 days of determining an error occurred. The bill also requires the VA to immediately cancel any debt collection agreements with outside debt collectors if the underlying debt was determined to be in error. This legislation affects any veteran or benefits recipient who has been harmed by VA administrative errors and ensures they receive timely assistance rather than potentially waiting indefinitely or facing ongoing debt collection efforts for debts the VA itself created by mistake.

Modernizing the Veterans On-Campus Experience Act of 2025This bill removes the requirement that educational and vocational counseling services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on campus at institutions of higher learning must be provided by VA counselors.