Hamadeh, Abe RSS Articles

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Bills to Ensure No American is Left Behind and Preserve Military Assets

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) was elected by the voters to serve America First, and that is why he is proud to announce the introduction this week of two pieces of legislation, the No American Left Behind Act and the No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026.

Near-identical amendments were offered by Congressman Hamadeh and included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by unanimous voice vote of his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and are expected to be passed by the House later this month.

The No American Left Behind Act was inspired by the recent release of American citizen Dennis Coyle from Afghanistan and the Congressman’s enduring search for Arizona’s “angel,” Kayla Mueller, in Syria. The legislation establishes a formal “No American Left Behind Doctrine” to guide long-term policy and planning, building on recent operational success in bringing Americans home.

As a dedicated emissary of the Peace Through Strength agenda and a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Officer, Congressman Hamadeh crafted legislation to foster greater interagency coordination by reviewing collaboration among the Department of War, the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, and other partners to sustain and improve whole-of-government responses.

The No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026 was introduced in response to the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and previous incidents in Iraq, where billions of dollars in American taxpayer-funded military equipment fell into the hands of hostile actors after the collapse of partner security forces.

Congressman Hamadeh’s No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026 establishes comprehensive reporting requirements, risk assessments, and accountability measures to ensure military assets are properly tracked, secured, transferred, or destroyed when U.S. forces exit a theater of operations.

“The bottom line is clear: the United States is finally making real progress in bringing Americans home,” stated Congressman Hamadeh, referring to the No American Left Behind Act. “This bill locks in those efforts — strong, coordinated, and enduring. Every American abroad must know that their country will never stop fighting for them. No exceptions. America First means no American left behind."

“I was proud to personally assist Dennis Coyle and his incredible family this year, and I’ll never forget the honor of traveling to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to advocate Kayla’s body be returned to her parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller,” continued Congressman Hamadeh. “As a U.S. Army intelligence officer, I’ve seen firsthand the complex, gritty work it takes to bring our people home. This legislation strengthens that process and sends a powerful message: we leave no American behind.”

“The American people should never again be forced to watch billions of dollars in military equipment fall into the hands of our enemies,” declared Congressman Hamadeh, referencing the No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026. “We’re still haunted by the shameful images of the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan — weapons scattered across the battlefield, abandoned to terrorists and our adversaries. Those failures exposed dangerous gaps in leadership, accountability, and planning. Our servicemembers and taxpayers deserve far better — and with this bill, we’re ensuring it never happens again.”

Background:

Since before taking oﬃce, Congressman Hamadeh vowed to return Kayla Mueller's body to her family in Prescott, Arizona. Kayla was abducted by terrorists in 2013 while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria. Congressman Hamadeh took his oath of office in January 2025, honoring Kayla's life by using her family’s Bible during the ceremony in Washington, D.C. He was joined by his family and Kayla's parents.

In August 2025, Congressman Hamadeh made an unprecedented trip from Jerusalem to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani to discuss the Congressman's continuing eﬀorts to bring Americans home and advance Peace Through Strength.

In February, Congressman Hamadeh demanded the immediate release of Dennis Coyle, whom the Taliban had been holding in Afghanistan since January 2025, in solitary confinement without charge or due process. In March, Coyle, a Colorado resident whose family hails from Arizona, was released by the Taliban.

According to the Department of War reporting, at least $7.1 billion in U.S.-funded defense equipment was left behind in Afghanistan following the 2021 withdrawal.

Congressman Hamadeh’s legislation includes the Department of War’s findings that the Taliban gained access to approximately $57.6 million in U.S. government funds and captured thousands of U.S.-provided vehicles and other military assets after the collapse of Afghan security forces. Similar failures occurred in Iraq in 2014 when ISIS seized large quantities of U.S.-provided military equipment, including hundreds of armored vehicles that were later weaponized against coalition and partner forces.

Congressman Hamadeh’s NDAA Amendments Aimed at Improving Quality of Life for Service Members and Arizona’s Superior Status on National Defense Pass

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - On Tuesday, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh proudly supported the advancement of numerous amendments that will improve the quality of life for our nation’s warfighters and secure Arizona's status as a premiere hub for National defense industries in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hamadeh offered amendments to be considered during the NDAA markup process today that will have a positive impact on our Service Members’ quality of life, preserve our nation’s history, improve ballot security for military members, and boost Arizona’s economy.

Combat Pay Protection Act
No American Left Behind Act
No Equipment Left Behind Act
Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act (co-led by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-CA)
Critical Minerals Mining Workforce Development Act
AZ Hermosa Mine Domestic Antimony for Defense Production Capability Pilot Program
Maverick Act
Veterans and Servicemembers Treatment-Resistant PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act
Make American Guns Again (MAGA) Act, by Rep. David Taylor, R-OH
Keeping Returning Servicemembers and Pets Together
Ending Endless Witch Hunts on Warriors, with Rep. Eli Crane, R-AZ
Securing American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act, co-led with Rep. Cory Mills, R-FL
Brandon Act Implementation, led by Rep. Gil Cisneros, D-CA, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-VA
Review of Secure and Timely Voting under UOCAVA for Deployed Servicemembers and Dependents
Accelerating Luke Air Force Base / Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield Turnaround
Addressing Locality Pay Disparities in Yuma County
Promoting Basing Retention for Phoenix Goldwater Air National Guard Base KC-135 Refueling Tankers
Planning for Safe and Secure Joint-Use AZ Airfields at Fort Huachuca and MCAS Yuma
Ensuring MCAS Yuma Fighter Pilot Range Modernization
Re-Securing Goldwater Range Radio Funding for Safety
Davis-Monthan Compass Call Aircraft Mission Expansion
Finally Planning to Fill Yuma Proving Ground’s Pole Line Road Potholes
National Guard Counter-Drug Schools Funding Increase
Pentagon Plans to Stop Cartel Fuel Smuggling
Requiring Cost-Benefit Analysis Before Moving A-10 Training Mission from Davis-Monthan; Establishing Framework for A-10 Training, Testing, Sustainment, and Transition (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)
A-10 Mission Autonomous and Non-Traditional Capability Experimentation (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)
Tucson AMARG Boneyard: Recoverable Storage Aircraft Regeneration Plans
A-10 Demonstration Team Reconstitution Authorization (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)
A-10 Foreign Partner Transfer and Recoverable Status Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)
A-10 Combat Employment, Relevance, and Modernization Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)
Making Small Business Discoverable for Defense Production
Deer Valley-Made Jam-Resistant Group 3 Drone Research
Glendale-Engineered F-35 Power and Thermal Modernization
Modernizing Mesa-Built AH-64E Apaches
Northern Arizona University-US Army Autonomous System Resilience Development
Phoenix-Made Swarming Ground Drone Acquisition Strategy
Mesa Next Generation Artillery Munitions Factory Acquisition Strategy
Utilizing University of Arizona Cislunar Domain Awareness Leadership
Chandler / Deer Valley-Made Attritable Jet-Powered Aircraft
Investment in Peoria-Made Next Generation Ballistic Plates for Soldiers
Securing AZ-Made Batteries for Military Base Security
Scottsdale-Developed Open Suite Standards for Military Vehicles
Tucson Tech Park Drone-Killing Lasers
Chandler / Deer Valley Mobile UAS Launch Capabilities
Flagstaff Automated Characterization and Classification of Space Objects
Arizona-Made Hypersonics Strategy
Reserve Component Low-Dollar Sustainment Procurement Reform
AZ Reserve and Guard Travel Reimbursement Fairness
AZ National Guard Dump Truck Modernization
Puerto Rico Power Projection and Training Opportunities
Evaluation of Side Folding Intermodal Shipping Container Systems
Expanding the U.S.-Israel Counter-Tunnel Partnership
Scaling Production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft
Scaling Production of Low-Cost Munitions
Maximizing Space-Based Computing for Satellites
Human Domain Awareness for Special Operations and Civil Affairs

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Relieve Healthcare Provider Shortage by Boosting Job Opportunities for Veterans

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, in keeping with his commitment to our nation’s service members and veterans, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act. This legislation aims to ease the healthcare provider shortage and provide more job opportunities for veterans.

As part of his continuing effort to work across the aisle for the benefit of our nation’s Service Members and Veterans, the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act is co-led by Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. of Oregon (OR-03).

"This legislation is a no-nonsense, cost-effective solution to the critical healthcare provider shortage crippling our communities," said Congressman Abe Hamadeh. "Even better, this bill will supercharge the Department of War's ability to help our veterans secure meaningful jobs with healthcare providers, putting America’s heroes to work where they’re needed most."

Background:

Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals, but because of an aging population and workforce, increased prevalence in chronic illness, and provider burnout, an estimated 275,000 additional nurses with every level of experience will be needed by 2030 to meet demand.

Military medics provide emergency medical care and treatment in combat, as well as in hospitals, clinics, and field units. The required certifications to serve as a military medic vary across branches, and not all certification requirements have a civilian equivalent. Because of these varying requirements, existing transition assistance programs for service members are not always effective for health care personnel.

In 2023, more than 173,000 health care personnel served in the United States Armed Services, but lack of uniformity within the state-based civilian credentialing system can make it difficult to identify how military experience and training translates to the civilian health care workforce.

About the Legislation

• Identifies barriers to standardizing military medic credentials and experience within the individual branches of the armed forces and aligning those requirements with civilian credentials and requirements.

• Identifies barriers to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities within DoD’s transition assistance programs, specifically within the health care sector.

• Considers the potential impacts of states clarifying the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care and the implementation of certain programs to bridge military medic credentials and civilian health care credentials.

• Update an existing Department of Defense grant program to support eligible civilian health care providers and service members in hiring, training or retraining, and retention efforts.

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Bipartisan Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act Of 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of his commitment to work across the aisle for the benefit of our nation’s Service members and Veterans, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) has introduced the Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act of 2026.

Congressman Hamadeh's bill is co-sponsored by fellow Congressmen Don Bacon (NE-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Davis (NC-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).

“As part of my unwavering commitment to America’s military heroes and keeping my promise to improve service members’ lives, I introduced legislation authorizing a fuel discount at military exchange pumps to lower living costs for our troops, veterans, and dependents,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Fuel is one of the few products sold by exchanges still subject to tax. This discount, equal to the federal fuel tax, shows profound gratitude to our nation’s heroes who have borne the heavy costs of war defending our freedoms. This common-sense step delivers real relief to our selfless service members and their families.”

Provisions:

Allows the Secretary of War to apply a discount tied to federal fuel tax rates as outlined by statute.
Authorizes the Secretary of War to approve additional discounts to counteract state and local fuel taxes.
Mandates that any discounts be applied automatically at the time of sale to the maximum extent practicable.

BACKGROUND:

Americans currently pay a federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and a diesel tax of 24.4 cents per gallon. These costs disproportionately impact military families, veterans, and retirees who often face long commutes to bases, training facilities, work, or VA medical appointments.

With inflation and transportation costs continuing to push a strain on household budgets, many service members spend a significant portion of their income on fuel and commuting expenses.

The Military and Veteran Fuel Discount Act of 2026 would provide direct financial relief by allowing military exchanges to apply fuel discounts tied to federal fuel tax rates and additional reductions, aimed to offset the cost of state and federal fuel taxes.

Congressman Hamadeh Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect Children from Radical Indoctrination

Tue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Hamadeh proudly voted in favor of the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, meant to protect children from radical gender ideology in schools and restoring parental authority in education.

The bill’s sponsors, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced the legislation to “increase transparency in K-12 schools, strengthen parents’ rights, and ensure federal education dollars are not used to advance radical political or ideological agendas in the classroom.”

“Indoctrination of any kind does not belong in the classroom; education does and little of it is occurring due to the fact that too many administrators and predatory teachers have turned our classrooms into incubators for radical thought,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “Our students are supposed to be exposed to the wonders of science and the elegance of math, instead they are being turned into foot soldiers for the extreme left.”

“Parents have the fundamental liberty to direct the upbringing and education of their children,” said Kim Miller, Founder and President of Women of Action and America’s Women. “As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this principle in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, declaring that ‘the child is not the mere creature of the State.’ Bills like the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act rightly restore parental authority and ensure classrooms teach truth rather than radical ideology. America’s Women fully support this bill.”

Congressman Hamadeh promised to defend parental rights, protect America’s children, and ensure that families are empowered to make decisions about their children’s upbringing and education. The Congressman has consistently prioritized parental rights and commonsense education reform, arguing that families, not bureaucrats, activist organizations, or unelected administrators should have the louder voice in a child's education. Congressman Hamadeh’s support for (H.R. 2616) the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act is part of keeping that promise to parents.

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 2616, Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, incorporates legislation led by Chairman Walberg (PROTECT Kids Act) and Rep. Owens (Say No to Indoctrination Act). The bill:

Ensures schools keep parents informed and involved in key decisions affecting their children.
Prohibits federal funds from being used to promote radical gender ideology or compel ideological beliefs—codifying President Trump’s executive actions and affirming that there are two sexes.
Requires clear communication with families and establishes consequences for withholding critical information.
Puts parents—not bureaucrats—back in charge of their children’s education.

(Source: House Committee on Financial Services)

Congressman Hamadeh Announces the Launch of the CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh is proud to announce the launch of the CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative, a district-wide student recognition program designed to promote civic literacy, constitutional understanding, and academic excellence among Arizona’s high school students.

“I firmly believe that preserving the strength of our Republic begins with educating the next generation about the Constitution, the principles of liberty, and the responsibilities of citizenship.” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “With graduation fast approaching, I want to make sure that our high school students are aware of this opportunity earn congressional recognition for their accomplishment.”

Congressman Hamadeh is encouraging all Arizona high school students, parents, teachers, and school administrators to participate in the new CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative.

BACKGROUND:

The CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative is a district-wide student recognition program designed to celebrate an informed citizenry, promote civic literacy, and reward academic excellence in American government and history.

The Arizona Civics Test is a State-mandated requirement for high school graduation and the High School Equivalency Diploma. If you are a high school student, who has achieved a score of 95 or higher on the Arizona Civics Test, you are eligible to receive formal recognition from the Office of Congressman Abraham Hamadeh. Participation is open to all eligible high school students across public, charter, private, and homeschool institutions within CD8.

Visit Congressman Hamadeh’s website here for more information.

Congressman Hamadeh Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abraham Hamadeh is proud to announce that Emily Chen, a sophomore attending school at home, is the winner of the 2026 AZ-08 Congressional Art Competition for her piece titled "United in Dreams."

Emily’s artwork will hang in the United States Capitol alongside artwork from other congressional districts across the country, where it will be seen by millions of visitors.

"Emily captured the true spirit of the United States of America in her work,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As I told her today, I look forward to sharing her art with visitors to our nation’s Capitol. They will be as inspired by it as I am.”

“As I was reviewing all of the artwork pieces submitted this year, I couldn’t help but have great hope for the future of our country,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “If the young artists of Arizona’ 8^th Congressional district are any indication, then I have no doubt the future will be bright and beautiful.”

Emily describes her original acrylic painting depicting a mother and young daughter as, “a child learning about elements of U.S. culture and history that inspire and enable her to exercise creativity and imagination in her own life. The mom and daughter interaction represents the important values of family and education. The iconic images represent American ideals and achievements that encourage children to explore and realize their dreams.”

The 2nd place winner is Leighton S. Larson, a sophomore from Mountain Ridge High School, for his drawing " McDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagle."

The 3rd place winner is Phuong Nguyen, a sophomore at Basis Peoria, for his drawing "A Nation in the Making."

The 2nd place winner’s art will be hung in Congressman Hamadeh’s Congressional Office in Washington, D.C. and the 3rd place winner’s artwork will be displayed at the Congressman’s district office in Surprise, Arizona.

U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves Congressman Hamadeh’s Effort to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026. Congressman Hamadeh’s bill will preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes.

The Maverick Act of 2026 creates a narrow exception to the post-retirement restrictions that have destroyed nearly all F-14s, ensuring that its legacy is preserved. The Maverick Act allows three of the world’s final Tomcats to be demilitarized and transferred for public display and education under strict national security safeguards. It does not restore combat capability or reopen foreign transfer.

“I want to thank Senator Sheehy and his colleagues for passing this legislation aimed at preserving for history one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.”

“I am also grateful to the cosponsors of the bill in the House, who have already offered their enthusiastic support,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.

Original cosponsors of Congressman Hamadeh’s bill include Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU).

BACKGROUND:

In an amendment to the FY26 defense bill signed into law by President Trump, Congressman Hamadeh also secured five T-37 jet trainer aircraft from Tucson’s boneyard, saving them from final destruction. These jets trained aces, astronauts, and our first female aviators and now, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group will bring one back to its former glory, promoting historical preservation, STEM, aviation education, and recruitment.

From Naval History and Heritage Command:

The F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996.

Known for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq.

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Kayleigh’s Law to Protect Victims of Dangerous Crimes from Their Abusers

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) has introduced Kayleigh’s Law to protect victims of dangerous crimes from their abusers. Kayleigh’s Law delivers stronger, lifelong protection to survivors of federal sex crimes and violent felonies by requiring courts to issue permanent no-contact injunctions against convicted offenders.

Introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the goal of this legislation is to eliminate the "legal tug-of-war" where survivors must repeatedly face their attackers in court to maintain basic safety protections. Having passed at the state level in both Arizona and Wisconsin, this legislation, named after Kayleigh Kozak, a young mother from Arizona who was victimized as a child, prohibits all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim for the rest of the guilty predator's life. The prohibition will remain in effect even after prison, probation, or supervised release ends.

“As a former prosecutor, I know how vulnerable victims can be, how determined their predators often are, and how judges can frequently fail victims of crime. That is why we must require federal courts to impose these lifetime injunctions when requested by the government or the victim during sentencing,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have seen what victims go through as the predator’s adjudication process plays out and know how important it is for the victim’s healing process to begin. That process cannot be interrupted by their predators simply because our courts fail to take crime seriously and fail to impose lifetime injunctions.”

Original cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) , Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).

“Kayleigh’s Law originated in Arizona and will uplift thousands of victims of unspeakable crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation to ensure victims of dangerous crimes can obtain lifetime protections against their abusers,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Survivors should not be faced with uncertainty about those who have harmed them. Kayleigh’s Law will close critical gaps in federal law by strengthening protections, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring lasting safety for victims.”

“Victims of violent crime and sexual assault deserve to have permanent, basic safety protections without having to repeatedly face their attacker in court. The emotional and psychological toll of these legal proceedings is high. Kayleigh’s Law gives victims one less thing to worry about by removing the fear and dread of reliving these experiences. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Hamadeh's bill to ensure these criminals hold no power over their victims,” said Congressman Stutzman.

“The harm caused by sexual assault is not temporary. It is lifelong," stated Kaleigh. "The protections for those who have been sexually violated should be lifelong too. No survivor should have to repeatedly return to court just to request the continuation of a protective order from the person who was convicted of sexually violating them. Kayleigh’s Law ensures no victim ever has to endure the nightmare of continuously justifying their need for safety. When I was a little girl, I could not protect myself from the teacher who sexually abused me at school - but I can fight now to protect myself, other innocent children, and every victim.”

Congressman Hamadeh Urges Veterans Affairs to Improve and Modernize the VA Home Loan Program to Make the American Dream Affordable Again

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) is urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to implement common best practices in the VA Home Loan program and eliminate outdated policies that do not align with current housing market realities.

In a letter to Secretary Collins, Congressman Hamadeh reiterated his belief that the Trump administration has made significant progress in refocusing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on its core mission: taking care of veterans by cutting the benefits claims backlog, expanding access to care, and eliminating waste across the Department. That is why Congressman Hamadeh is confident that his common-sense suggestions for increasing homeownership for young veterans will be seriously considered.

Congressman Hamadeh’s suggestions, as outlined in his letter, include:

Origination Fee Compliance and Fee Stacking

VA regulations cap lender origination and administrative fees at 1 percent of the loan amount. That 1 percent is intended to be all-inclusive, covering the lender’s labor and overhead. Yet veterans are reporting that lenders are charging the full 1 percent origination fee and then piling on additional itemized charges for processing, underwriting, and other services. This is a cash grab, and it needs to stop.

Underwriting Modernization

VA still relies on manual underwriting for home loans. FHA has moved to semi-automated systems that can approve a loan in 2 to 7 business days, compared to approximately 10 for VA. The Mortgage Bankers Association testified that automated underwriting would speed the loan process, particularly for straightforward applications, and would reduce the stigma that VA loans take longer to close.

Seller Concessions Cap

VA currently caps seller concessions at 4 percent of the reasonable value of the home. FHA and USDA both allow 6 percent. In a competitive housing market like the Phoenix metropolitan area, that 2 percent differential can determine whether a veteran’s offer is accepted or passed over.

Appraiser Certification Requirements and Shortage

The VA has identified 436 counties across 31 states that do not have enough certified appraisers to meet current demand. A significant driver of this shortage is the VA’s experience requirement. FHA and USDA loans require only 12 to 18 months. VA requires 3 to 5 years of experience for appraiser certification, forcing veterans into longer wait times and substantially higher fees.

"As my fellow veteran and Committee member, Congressman Van Orden said in our hearing on the subject, we must find ways to eliminate the unnecessary administrative costs of the VA Home Loan program and better align it with other Federal housing programs. My family is in real estate. I am very familiar with housing, and I know the unintended consequences of bureaucratic policies that have little to no protective value and ignore the realities of the marketplace."