# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of VA Reproductive Health Services Rule

Congress is voting on whether to reject a new rule that the Department of Veterans Affairs created about reproductive health services for veterans. This is a special type of vote called a "disapproval resolution," which is Congress's way of saying "we don't want this rule to go into effect."

The VA rule in question deals with reproductive health services—which could include things like fertility treatments, contraception, pregnancy care, or other reproductive health options. The exact details of what services the rule covers aren't fully spelled out in this summary, but the key point is that some members of Congress want to block it from taking effect. When Congress uses this disapproval process, if enough lawmakers vote in favor, the rule gets canceled and cannot be implemented by the VA.

This affects veterans and their families who might be eligible for these reproductive health services through the VA healthcare system. Depending on what specific services the rule covers, blocking it could mean veterans lose access to certain treatments or care options they might otherwise have received. On the flip side, supporters of the disapproval argue the VA shouldn't be providing these particular services. The outcome depends entirely on whether Congress votes to approve this disapproval resolution—if they do, the rule dies; if they don't, the VA's new rule moves forward as planned.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

Tuberville, Tommy

 <p>This joint resolution nullifies the interim final rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled <i>Reproductive Health Services</i> and published on September 9, 2022. The rule authorizes the VA to provide certain abortion-related care to veterans. The rule also applies to such care provided to beneficiaries covered under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).</p>