U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden introduced the VA Home Loan Affordability Act, aimed at streamlining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program by reducing bureaucratic delays and aligning it with current housing market standards.
“The VA Home Loan program is one of the most powerful tools we have to expand economic opportunity for veterans and their families, and it must keep pace with today’s housing market. That is why I introduced the VA Home Loan Affordability Act, which will ensure veterans can access a faster, more efficient path to homeownership,” Van Orden said in a post on X.
According to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Van Orden introduced H.R. 8532 as part of his role as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The bill would reduce closing costs for VA home loans and align the program’s requirements with those of other federal housing agencies.
The VA Home Loan program has guaranteed more than 29 million loans since its creation. In fiscal year 2025 alone, 528,343 loans were issued—a 26.8% increase from the previous year—with veterans maintaining a homeownership rate of 78% that exceeds the national average, according to data compiled by NewDay USA.
Van Orden retired as a Navy SEAL senior chief after 26 years of service, according to his official biography. He was elected to Congress in 2022 and represents Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District.
