Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3436
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T17:32:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends title 38 of the United States Code to expand access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services for veterans living in the Freely Associated States (the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau). It also extends a temporary limit on certain pension payments.
Key Provisions
- Telehealth and pharmacy services: Requires the VA Secretary to provide telehealth benefits and mail-order pharmacy benefits to eligible veterans in the Freely Associated States within one year of enactment, subject to existing agreements with those nations.
- Beneficiary travel payments: Changes the VA’s authority from permissive (“may make payments”) to mandatory (“shall make payments”) for travel benefits, with implementation required no later than one year after enactment.
- Reporting requirement: Directs the VA Secretary to submit quarterly reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Appropriations detailing implementation progress and costs.
- Pension limit extension: Extends the expiration date for certain restrictions on pension payments from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Section 1724(f)(1) is amended to add a new requirement for telehealth and mail-order pharmacy services.
- Section 111(h)(1) is amended to convert discretionary travel payments into a required obligation.
- Section 5503(d)(7) receives a two-month extension of an existing temporary cap on pension payments.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The VA must expand service delivery and tracking mechanisms for veterans outside the United States, potentially increasing administrative and operational costs.
- Citizens: Veterans residing in the Freely Associated States gain improved access to remote care and pharmacy services, as well as guaranteed travel reimbursement.
- International relations: The measure reinforces U.S. commitments under the Compacts of Free Association by extending benefits to veterans in partner nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans living in the Freely Associated States.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Congressional committees overseeing veterans’ affairs and appropriations.
- The governments of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill imposes new mandatory duties on the VA rather than expanding discretionary authority. It contains no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on administrative implementation timelines and reporting. The pension extension is a minor, technical adjustment to an existing temporary provision.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Held at the desk.
- 2025-12-18: Received in the House.
- 2025-12-18: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-12-17: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8874; text: CR S8874)
- 2025-12-17: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-17: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-17: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (4 pages)
- Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (3 pages)