Fort Bragg Land Transfer for Veterans Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill facilitates the creation of a new veterans' State home in North Carolina by providing federal land, with the State bearing the costs of construction and conveyance.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer approximately 20 acres of land at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the State of North Carolina without monetary consideration. The State is required to use this land specifically for the construction and operation of a State home for veterans. The State must also cover all costs associated with the land conveyance itself.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial opportunity to expand care and housing options for veterans in North Carolina by leveraging federal land for a state-run facility. They contend it is a cost-effective way for the federal government to support veterans' welfare by donating land, while ensuring the State takes on the financial responsibility for development and operation, ultimately benefiting a deserving population.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while supporting veterans is important, conveying federal land without consideration represents a lost opportunity for the federal government to generate revenue, especially if the land has significant market value. They might also question the specific location or whether other federal properties could be better utilized, or if the state could acquire land through other means.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core purpose and provisions within the time given.
Section 2(a)
Authorization of Land Conveyance
This section authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer approximately 20 acres of land at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the State of North Carolina. The transfer will occur without the State having to pay for the land itself. The explicit purpose of this conveyance is for the State to build and operate a 'State home' for veterans, under the management of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this provision directly addresses a critical need for veterans' care facilities by making federal land available. They contend that providing the land without cost incentivizes the State to invest in the necessary infrastructure, thereby expanding services for veterans efficiently.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that while the intent is good, conveying federal land without consideration could be seen as a subsidy to the State, potentially foregoing revenue that could be used for other federal priorities. They may question if the land could be sold at market value to fund other veterans' programs.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff is between the federal government retaining ownership or selling the land for revenue versus dedicating it for a specific public good (veterans' care) by transferring it to the State without charge. This balances federal asset management with support for state-level veterans' services.
Section 2(c)
State Responsibility for Conveyance Costs
This section mandates that the State of North Carolina must either pay for or reimburse the Secretary of the Army for all expenses incurred by the federal government to complete the land transfer. These costs include environmental assessments, real estate due diligence, and any other administrative fees related to the conveyance. It also specifies that any excess funds collected from the State will be refunded.
Section 2(d)
Reversionary Interest Clause
This section establishes a condition that if the State of North Carolina fails to use the conveyed property for a veterans' State home, the land, along with any improvements made to it, may revert back to the United States. The Secretary of the Army has the option to reclaim the property, and the United States would have the right to immediately re-enter and take possession of the land.