Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jun 12, 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.
What just happenedSep 16, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateSep 16, 2025
- Engrossed in HouseSep 15, 2025
- Reported in HouseSep 9, 2025
- Introduced in HouseJun 12, 2025
- Sep 16, 2025IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289)
- Sep 15, 2025Floor8000
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)
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3951.
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4289)
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH30300
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Sep 9, 2025CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
- Sep 9, 2025CommitteeH12200
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259.
- Sep 9, 2025Committee5000
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259.
- Jul 23, 2025Committee
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Jul 23, 2025Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 3, 2025Committee
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
- Jun 24, 2025Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Jun 23, 2025Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Jun 12, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Jun 12, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jun 12, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House