H.R. 918 would change the fees charged to veterans who obtain loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). CBO estimates that enacting the bill would increase direct spending by $688 million over the 2026-2027 period. Because enacting the bill would affect direct spending, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. Enacting the bill would not affect revenues.
The bill also would require VA to provide an initial mental health assessment and subsequent mental health care to certain former service members who are currently not eligible for such care. CBO estimates that implementing that provision would cost $15 million over the 2017-2022 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.
