Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a new, specific federal crime to prosecute individuals who defraud veterans of their benefits, aiming to enhance legal protections for service members and their families.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 18 of the United States Code to establish a new federal criminal offense specifically targeting fraud against veterans related to their benefits. It makes it illegal to knowingly execute or attempt to execute any scheme to defraud an individual of veterans' benefits or in connection with obtaining such benefits, carrying penalties of fines and up to 5 years imprisonment. The bill defines 'veteran' and 'veterans' benefits' by reference to existing federal law.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial, dedicated legal tool to protect veterans and their families from predatory fraud schemes, ensuring that those who target vulnerable veterans face appropriate federal prosecution and penalties. They contend that a specific statute sends a strong message and provides a clearer path for justice.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that existing federal fraud statutes, such as wire fraud and mail fraud, are already sufficient to prosecute such crimes, and creating a new, specific statute could lead to redundancy or unnecessary complexity in the federal criminal code. However, direct opposition to protecting veterans is generally limited.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly and thoroughly.
Section 2(a), new Section 1353 of title 18, United States Code
Creation of Federal Offense for Fraud Regarding Veterans' Benefits
This provision establishes a new federal crime specifically targeting individuals who knowingly defraud veterans of their benefits or attempt to do so while helping them obtain benefits. It makes it illegal to engage in any scheme or artifice to deprive veterans of benefits provided by federal law, or to commit fraud related to the process of securing those benefits. The penalties for this offense include fines under title 18 and imprisonment for up to five years. The bill also defines 'veteran' and 'veterans' benefits' by referencing existing federal law.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated statute sends a strong message that defrauding veterans is a serious offense deserving of specific federal attention. It provides prosecutors with a clear, tailored tool to combat these specific types of fraud, which can be particularly devastating to vulnerable veterans and their families. This ensures that the unique trust placed in those assisting veterans is protected and that perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
Critics contend
Some might argue that existing federal fraud statutes (e.g., 18 U.S.C. 1341 for mail fraud, 1343 for wire fraud) already cover these types of offenses, making a new, specific statute redundant. They might contend that adding more specific laws to the criminal code can lead to an overly complex system without necessarily enhancing enforcement capabilities. However, direct opposition to protecting veterans is unlikely.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for specific, explicit protection for veterans against concerns about the proliferation of highly specific federal criminal statutes. While it aims to ensure justice for veterans, it also adds another layer to the federal criminal code, which some argue should be streamlined, potentially leading to overlap with existing general fraud laws.