Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a new federal crime targeting fraud involving veterans' benefits. This bill would make knowingly executing or attempting a scheme to defraud a veteran of benefits, or to obtain benefits for them, a federal offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both.
Show full summary
- Veterans and families: Gives victims clearer criminal protection when someone tries to steal or wrongfully obtain their federal veterans' benefits.
- People who commit fraud: Individuals who knowingly run schemes to get veterans' benefits could face up to 5 years in prison and/or a monetary fine.
- Prosecutors and courts: Adds a standalone offense to the federal criminal code and uses existing definitions of "veteran" from 38 U.S.C. §101 and a broad definition of "veterans' benefits" that includes benefits for dependents and survivors.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New federal crime for veteran benefit fraud
This bill would create a new federal crime for fraud targeting veterans' benefits. It would be illegal to knowingly carry out or try a scheme to take someone's veterans' benefits. It would also be illegal to use fraud to obtain benefits for that person. The penalty would be a fine under title 18, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. The bill would use the title 38 definition of "veteran." It would define "veterans' benefits" as any federal benefit for a veteran, dependent, or survivor. The offense would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov