Newsbytes July 18, 2025 
 

In this issue: 
Senate Passes The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
Coast Guard Hero 
FRA Member Daniel Del Monte Goes Over the Edge 
Key Provisions of the $456 Billion VA Budget for FY26 
 

Senate Passes The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
The Senate’s passage of H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, marks a significant legislative victory for veterans, driven by the steadfast advocacy of Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) members and the bipartisan leadership of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The bill, now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature, establishes a partial claim program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program to help veterans facing financial hardship and enhances funding for the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program to combat veteran homelessness. 

The legislation modernizes the VA Home Loan Program by providing veterans behind on mortgage payments with federal assistance similar to that offered by other housing agencies. Since its creation in 1944, the VA Home Loan program has helped veterans build home equity; this reform ensures at-risk veterans have a final lifeline to avoid foreclosure. The bill also secures vital funding to expand transitional housing and support services for homeless veterans through the Grant and Per Diem program, strengthening the VA’s efforts to promote housing stability. 

This achievement is a direct result of the tireless grassroots work of FRA members who mobilized through the action center to urge Congress to act. Their advocacy emphasized the urgency of creating the partial claim option and expanding homelessness prevention efforts. 

The passage of H.R. 1815 is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and bipartisan leadership. FRA members played a pivotal role in pushing this measure across the finish line. Their commitment to protecting veteran homeowners and addressing homelessness has left a lasting impact. As this legislation becomes law, it will provide essential protections and support for those who have served—ensuring they are not left behind. 

Coast Guard Hero 
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, became a national hero during his first mission, saving 165 lives at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County, Texas, amid catastrophic flooding over the July Fourth weekend. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise from 3 to nearly 30 feet, devastating youth camps throughout the region. Ruskan’s team, deployed from Corpus Christi, braved six to seven hours of extreme weather to reach the site. The Department of Homeland Security praised Ruskan for his “extraordinary bravery and selfless service,” highlighting his pivotal role in the large-scale rescue operation. 

With roads and bridges submerged, air evacuation was the only viable option for the 200 campers and staff trapped at Camp Mystic. Ruskan, a former accountant who joined the Coast Guard in 2021, volunteered to stay behind as the only triage coordinator, allowing his helicopter to rescue 15 additional children from another location. For three hours, without radio or cell service, he managed a chaotic scene on the ground, comforting frightened, cold, and often barefoot children. Prioritizing the youngest, he organized evacuations in groups of 10 to 15 and carried some to safety over dangerous terrain, showing exceptional composure under pressure. 

Ruskan’s actions, supported by hundreds of local, state, and federal responders, including the Texas National Guard, were critical in ensuring the safe rescue of campers and staff. He credited the courage of camp counselors, who pushed children through windows to escape the rising water, and the resilience of the campers themselves, saying their strength made him a better rescuer. 

In a CNN interview, Ruskan downplayed his heroism with humility: “I’m just a guy… anyone can do this if they raise their right hand.” His words reflect the quiet strength that defined the operation. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) applauds Petty Officer Ruskan and his crew for their extraordinary display of heroism and for bringing great honor to the sea services. Their courage and dedication exemplify the highest standards of service and sacrifice. 

FRA Member Daniel Del Monte Goes Over the Edge 
Daniel Del Monte, a dedicated member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), is taking on an exhilarating challenge to support Special Olympics Hawaii athletes. On October 11, 2025, Dan will participate in the 16th annual Over the Edge fundraiser, rappelling 400 feet down the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa to raise funds and awareness for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Hawaii. His commitment reflects the FRA’s spirit of service, and the organization’s members deserve heartfelt congratulations for championing such impactful initiatives. 

Tracey Bender, Director of Development for Special Olympics Hawaii, praised Dan’s efforts: “Dan is truly a dedicated supporter, and we are so grateful for his commitment to making a difference in the lives of our athletes.” The Over the Edge event aims to raise over $175,000 to support year-round sports programs, training, and competitions for over 3,400 athletes, all provided at no cost. Participants like Dan are challenged to raise a minimum of $1,000, with all funds staying in Hawaii to empower local athletes to compete, connect, and thrive. 

You can support Dan’s fundraising efforts by donating directly at his fundraising page: bit.ly/dandelmonte25. To learn more about the Over the Edge event or to register as a participant, visit the event page at bit.ly/sohiote2025. Join Dan in going Over the Edge to make a lasting impact for athletes with disabilities! 

Key Provisions of the $456 Billion VA Budget for FY26 
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $456 billion budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the 2026 fiscal year (FY26) on July 17, 2025. This budget, the first to exceed $400 billion, allocates funds to various VA programs and services. It is set to undergo a full Senate vote in the coming months. The budget focuses on healthcare, mental health services, suicide prevention, homelessness programs, and caregiver support, addressing key areas of need for veterans. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) welcomed the funding increase, noting that a recent survey highlighted the need to improve VA services, aligning with the survey's recommendations. 

The budget increases funding for the VA Health Care System to expand access and enhance care quality. It includes additional resources for mental health services, with a specific focus on suicide prevention programs. Funding for homelessness prevention initiatives is also increased to address housing instability among veterans. Additionally, the budget enhances support for family caregiver programs, providing stipends and training for those caring for disabled veterans. 

A new provision in the bill addresses planned VA workforce reductions, set to eliminate approximately 30,000 jobs by September 2025, down from an earlier estimate of 80,000. The bill includes language to ensure these staffing cuts do not result in veterans being denied care. This measure aims to maintain service delivery despite operational changes within the VA. 

The budget introduces expanded initiatives for rural veterans, including investments in telehealth and mobile clinics to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. These efforts aim to address geographical barriers and ensure veterans in remote locations receive necessary medical services. The focus on rural healthcare access is a new component of the FY26 budget. 

The increased funding and new provisions are expected to enhance healthcare access, strengthen mental health and suicide prevention efforts, stabilize housing for veterans, and support caregivers. The emphasis on rural healthcare aims to improve service delivery for veterans in less accessible areas. The FRA's survey recommendations emphasized the need for these improvements, and the budget's provisions are intended to address critical needs and improve outcomes for veterans across the country.