Tillis proposes bipartisan, bicameral bill expanding access to VA home loans

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on July 2 sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand eligibility for home loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain members of the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure the brave men and women serving in the National Guard and reserve component have increased access to the VA home loan benefits that they earned,” said Sen. Tillis.

The lawmaker introduced S. 4176 with original cosponsors U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT). U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Joe Cunningham (D-SC) on July 1 introduced the companion bill, H.R. 7445, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The measure would expand VA home loan benefits to National Guard and Reserve members who have been activated by governors under orders authorized by Title 32 of the U.S. Code in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and natural disasters, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

Currently, members of the National Guard and Reserves are eligible only for the VA home loan program if they have had 90 consecutive days of active service or if they have been a member for six years, according to U.S. Code.

“More than 24 million veterans have benefitted from the VA home loan program, but a technicality in current law restricts eligibility for some Guardsmen and Reservists, including those who have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sen. Tillis said.

Sen. Moran noted that the bill “would expand home loan guaranty eligibility for members of the Reserve Component and grant them greater access to homeownership to live the American dream after service.”

The bill has been endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.