House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) opened a markup session today to consider five bills, four of which are led by House Republicans. Among these is H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026. This legislation proposes an increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly compensation benefit for service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving families of servicemembers who were killed in action, as well as those who are 100% disabled or deceased. These specific VA benefits have not seen significant increases in decades.
Chairman Bost stated, “Good morning. A quorum being present, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will come to order.” He continued, “Without objection, the Chair may declare a recess at any point.”
Bost emphasized the bipartisan nature of several bills under consideration and noted input from veterans, survivors, their families, and advocates. He highlighted H.R. 6047 by referencing testimony from Sharri Briley and Edgar Edmundson last December: “Last December, Sharri Briley and Edgar Edmundson testified about the impact this bill would have on not only them, but the hundreds of thousands of families like them.”
He quoted their message: “Their message to us was simple: our veteran community has earned this – put politics aside and get this bill done.”
Bost added that the bill recognizes sacrifices made by severely wounded veterans and bereaved families: “This bill honors the sacrifice of our most severely wounded veterans and the loved ones of those heroes who died because of their service.” He also said it aims to help with financial stability for affected families: “It helps families that sacrificed so much for us with their financial stability.” He concluded his remarks about H.R. 6047 by stating: “It is a promise that we have got their back.”
“I am hopeful that this committee will be able to report out a bill, today, that delivers for the thousands of great Americans like Sharri and Eric,” Bost said.
Other bills considered during today’s markup include measures intended to improve community care scheduling at VA facilities; ensure policy decisions affecting elderly veterans are informed by expert input; and provide lodging options for families when servicemembers or veterans receive treatment far from home.
Bost expressed appreciation for those working to support veterans: “I want to thank all the members of our community that play an important role in improving the lives of veterans and their families.”
He then yielded time to Ranking Member Mark Takano for opening remarks.
