Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025

Sponsored byRep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]AZ· Introduced 12 June 2025

Open on Congress.gov

Cosponsors

Actions

Amendments

Committees

—

Since introduced

Introduced

Committee

Passed Chamber

Passed Both

Enacted

Step 1 of 0

Latest action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

16 September 2025·10 months ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 10 September 2025

Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025

This bill extends and expands the pilot program under which certain non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals may be contracted to provide disability examinations to veterans, regardless of the jurisdiction of their licensure, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care. Specifically, the bill (1) expands the types of health care professionals who may provide such examinations, and (2) extends the authority for such professionals to be contracted for this purpose through January 5, 2031.

Currently, such examinations may only be contracted to licensed non-VA physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, or psychologists. The bill expands the list to include qualified health care professionals who are eligible for appointment to specified positions in the Veterans Health Administration, including hospital or clinic directors, dentists, and pharmacists.

The VA must report on its use of the expanded authority under this bill.

Timeline

18 actions

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
16 September 2025 · IntroReferral
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
15 September 2025 · Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4289)
15 September 2025 · Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3951.
15 September 2025 · Floor
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289)
15 September 2025 · Floor
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289: 1)
15 September 2025 · Floor
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
15 September 2025 · Floor
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
9 September 2025 · Calendars
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259.
9 September 2025 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259.
9 September 2025 · Committee
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
23 July 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
23 July 2025 · Committee
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
3 July 2025 · Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held
24 June 2025 · Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
23 June 2025 · Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
12 June 2025 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
12 June 2025 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
12 June 2025 · IntroReferral

Sponsorship

2 cosponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]AZ

Cosponsors

Democrat2100%

Democrat:Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]NC
Democrat:Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]WA

Classification

Policy area

Armed Forces and National Security

Legislative subjects

Congressional oversightHealth personnelLicensing and registrationsVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation

Committees

Veterans' Affairs Committee
House · Standing
- Referred To12 Jun 2025
- Discharged from3 Jul 2025
- Markup By23 Jul 2025
- Reported By9 Sept 2025
- Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
  - Referred to23 Jun 2025
  - Hearings By (subcommittee)24 Jun 2025
Veterans' Affairs Committee
Senate · Standing
- Referred To16 Sept 2025

Reports

H. Rept. 119-259

Track Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 as it moves through Congress