VA Traveling Doctors for U.S. Territories
Also known as: Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare Act
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- The Department of Veterans Affairs would be authorized to send doctors to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to one year at a time.
- This plan helps veterans living in these areas get better access to medical care, as they often face shortages of doctors and specialized services compared to those living in the 50 states.
- Doctors who agree to these temporary assignments would receive extra money through relocation or retention bonuses to help cover the costs and encourage them to serve in these locations.
- These traveling physicians will be required to work closely with local clinics and private hospitals to make sure veterans' treatments are well-coordinated and meet high quality standards.
- The bill also extends certain existing rules regarding veteran pension payments through the end of 2032.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 - 21 (Roll no. 266). (text: CR H4284)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 - 21 (Roll no. 266). (text: CR H4284: 1)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4300)
Vote Results
1 voteOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
TRAVEL Act of 2025
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(12)Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.