The Sconi

Derrick Van Orden, Representative of Wisconsin, announced that his bill to create a permanent partial claims program for veterans behind on mortgage payments has passed the House. The statement was made on X.

"Rep. Van Orden's VA Home Loan Program Reform Act just PASSED out of the House," said Derrick Francis Van Orden, U.S. Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district (R). "H.R. 1815 establishes a permanent partial claims program within the VA Home Loan program, offering a fiscally responsible path for veterans who have fallen behind on mortgage payments."

Recent U.S. legislative activity has increasingly focused on improving housing support for veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness. According to Congress.gov, the Housing Our Military Veterans Effectively (HOME) Act of 2023 was passed by the House to streamline funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) homeless assistance programs. Additionally, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act of 2024 aims to expand housing aid by excluding disability compensation from income calculations for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance. These measures signal bipartisan recognition of ongoing housing insecurity among veterans and seek to bolster existing support frameworks.

As reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association in February 2024, the delinquency rate for VA-backed home loans rose to 4.07% in Q4 2023, up 31 basis points from the previous quarter. Despite this quarterly increase, the year-over-year delinquency rate decreased by 9 basis points, suggesting some stabilization. These shifts reflect economic pressures on veteran homeowners and underline the importance of continued support for those using VA loan benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans with VA-backed home loans consistently show lower foreclosure rates than those with conventional mortgages. The VA attributes this to robust foreclosure avoidance programs, including direct assistance from loan technicians and options like repayment plans and loan modifications. These measures help stabilize homeownership for eligible veterans, mitigating housing insecurity.

According to his official House biography, Congressman Van Orden represents Wisconsin’s 3rd District and began serving in Congress in 2023. A retired Navy SEAL, he served in the military for over 25 years before transitioning into public service. In Congress, Van Orden prioritizes veterans’ issues, agriculture, and fiscal policy and sits on the Veterans’ Affairs and Agriculture Committees.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan program was established in 1944 to help veterans, service members, and eligible surviving spouses secure affordable housing. According to the VA’s official site, the program provides loan guarantees that enable private lenders to offer more favorable terms such as no down payment and competitive interest rates. It also offers support for home repair, adaptation, and retention to ensure long-term housing stability for eligible users.