Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1364
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T20:43:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The ASSIST Act of 2025 aims to clarify and expand the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) definition of "medical services" to explicitly include certain automobile adaptations for veterans with disabilities. It also extends a temporary limit on pension payments for certain veterans.
Key Provisions
- Inclusion of Automobile Adaptations in Medical Services: Amends 38 U.S.C. § 1701(6)(I) to define "medical services" as including medically necessary automobile adaptations for drivers or passengers, such as:
- Ramp and kneeling systems.
- Raised doors or lowered floors.
- Raised roofs.
- Air conditioning.
- Mobility lifts (for occupied or unoccupied use).
- Modifications for easier entry or exit.
- Wheelchair tiedowns.
- Adapted seating.
- Extension of Pension Payment Limits: Amends 38 U.S.C. § 5503(d)(7) to extend the end date for certain restrictions on pension payments from November 30, 2031, to September 30, 2032. (Note: "Pension payments" here refer to financial benefits for eligible veterans; the limit likely caps adjustments or offsets in these payments.)
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Clarification on Medical Services: Previously, the law may have been ambiguous about whether automobile adaptations qualified as "medical services" under VA benefits. This amendment explicitly lists and includes them, removing potential interpretive barriers.
- Pension Limit Extension: Shifts the expiration of a specific pension payment restriction by 10 months, providing continuity for affected financial rules without altering the core structure.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update policies, guidelines, and possibly training to implement the expanded definition of medical services, potentially increasing administrative workload and budget for approving and funding adaptations. No direct impact on international relations.
- On Citizens: Veterans with disabilities, particularly those needing vehicle modifications for mobility, will have clearer access to VA-covered automobile adaptations, improving safety and independence in transportation. The pension extension maintains short-term stability for veterans receiving these benefits, avoiding abrupt changes.
- Broader Effects: Could lead to more veterans utilizing these services, enhancing quality of life but possibly straining VA resources if demand rises.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those with mobility impairments (e.g., wheelchair users) seeking safe vehicle access.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing and funding the expanded services and pension rules.
- Automotive Adaptation Providers: Companies specializing in vehicle modifications may see increased demand from VA referrals.
- Veterans' Families and Caregivers: Indirectly benefit from improved veteran mobility and transportation safety.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens veterans' entitlements under title 38 by reducing ambiguity in benefit definitions, potentially reducing future litigation over coverage denials. No apparent constitutional issues, as it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate VA benefits.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan support for veterans' issues (passed House in 2025), emphasizing accessibility and support services. The pension extension suggests ongoing adjustments to fiscal controls on benefits, possibly in response to economic or policy reviews, without major controversy noted in the bill text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-05-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-05-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2132)
- 2025-05-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2132)
- 2025-05-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1364.
- 2025-05-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2132-2133)
- 2025-05-19: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-05-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 69.
- 2025-05-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-96.
- 2025-05-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-96.
- 2025-05-06: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-04-09: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-09: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-11: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Bill Versions
- Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (4 pages)
- Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (2 pages)
- Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-20 — PDF (3 pages)
- Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (6 pages)