Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 2134
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:46:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill seeks to guarantee that eligible veterans in each of the 48 contiguous states can access hospital care and medical services through at least one full-service Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospital located within their state, or through comparable services arranged by contract within the state.
Key Provisions
- Adds a new section 1716A to chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans eligible under section 1710 receive care at no fewer than one full-service VHA hospital in each contiguous state.
- Includes a rule of construction clarifying that the requirement does not limit the Secretary’s ability to provide care across state lines.
- Amends section 1703(d)(1)(B) of title 38 to insert a reference to the date of enactment of this Act in the Veterans Community Care Program.
- Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year describing compliance with the new requirement and its effects on the quality and standards of care.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Creates a new statutory mandate (section 1716A) that did not previously exist, establishing a minimum standard for VHA hospital presence or contracted equivalents in every contiguous state.
- Modifies the Veterans Community Care Program by adding a specific date reference in section 1703(d)(1)(B), which may limit future changes to eligibility criteria tied to that provision.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to assess and potentially expand hospital facilities or enter into contracts with other providers in states lacking a full-service VHA hospital.
- On citizens: Aims to improve access to care for veterans residing in the 48 contiguous states.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible veterans seeking hospital care and medical services.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- Congress, which receives the required implementation report.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Establishes an enforceable requirement on the executive branch regarding the location and availability of federal healthcare facilities.
- May necessitate additional contracting authority or resource allocation, potentially affecting federal spending on veterans’ services.
- The bill excludes Alaska and Hawaii from the new requirement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-06-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)