U.S. Vets of the FAS Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6652
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Last Updated: 2026-05-16T08:07:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill, titled the "U.S. Vets of the FAS Act," aims to ensure that U.S. veterans living in the Freely Associated States (FAS)—nations like the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau that have special agreements with the United States—receive specific health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It builds on existing U.S. laws to expand access to care for these veterans, who may face geographic barriers to traditional VA services.

Key Provisions

Agreements with FAS Governments: The VA Secretary must quickly negotiate and enter into agreements with FAS governments, as required by current federal laws (sections 1724(f) of title 38, U.S. Code, and 209(a)(4)(A) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024). These agreements will enable the delivery of health services.
Required Services: The agreements must include, at minimum:
Health care delivered via telehealth (remote consultations using technology like video calls).
Prescription medications sent through mail-order pharmacy services.
Implementation Timeline:
Outreach to FAS governments must begin within 30 days of the bill's enactment.
Agreements and service delivery must start within one year of enactment, to the extent possible.
Beneficiary Travel Payments: The VA must provide payments for veterans' travel costs to access care if it exercises any authority to make such payments in a fiscal year (this applies to travel starting one year after enactment).
Reporting Requirements: The VA Secretary must submit quarterly reports to Congress on progress, costs, and any barriers (like technical or logistical issues) until full implementation. Reports go to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations.
Definitions:
"Freely Associated States" refers to the specific nations defined in existing VA law.
"Appropriate committees of Congress" are the designated Senate and House committees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends section 111(h)(1) of title 38, U.S. Code (which governs VA payments for veterans' travel to medical appointments). Previously, these payments were discretionary ("the Secretary may make payments"). The bill makes them mandatory: If the VA chooses to provide any travel payments in a fiscal year, it must cover all eligible cases under this authority. This change ensures consistency and prevents selective denial of benefits.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The VA will face new administrative burdens, including negotiations, service setup, and quarterly reporting, potentially increasing operational costs and requiring budget adjustments. Congress will need to oversee implementation through committees.
On Citizens: U.S. veterans in the FAS (estimated to be several thousand) will gain better access to telehealth and mail-order prescriptions, reducing travel needs and improving health outcomes in remote areas. This could ease burdens on local FAS health systems.
On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. commitments under the Compacts of Free Association (treaties providing U.S. defense and economic aid in exchange for strategic access). It promotes goodwill and cooperation with FAS governments, potentially enhancing diplomatic ties in the Pacific region.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Veterans in the FAS: Primary beneficiaries, gaining expanded VA health access.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementation, funding, and reporting.
Governments of the Freely Associated States: Partners in agreements, benefiting from reduced strain on their health infrastructure.
U.S. Congress: Oversight role via committees, influencing VA funding and policy.
U.S. Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through increased federal spending on VA services.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces obligations under the Compacts of Free Association, a binding international agreement ratified by Congress, without creating new entitlements that could strain VA resources beyond existing frameworks. The amendment to travel payments promotes equity in benefits administration.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers under Article I (to regulate commerce and provide for the military) and treaty-making authority, ensuring veterans' benefits (protected under Article VI as a federal matter) extend to U.S. territories and associated states.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by representatives from Pacific territories) highlights focus on underserved veteran populations. It may set a precedent for extending federal services to remote U.S.-linked areas, potentially influencing future aid or defense pacts, but could spark debates on VA budget priorities amid competing domestic needs. No overt constitutional challenges are evident.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]

Cosponsors (4)

Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

Recent Actions

2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-04-16: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2026-04-16: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-01-13: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-12-11: Introduced in House
2025-12-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

U.S. Vets of the FAS Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (4 pages)