Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Introduced Jun 12, 2025 by Rep. Juan Ciscomani
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Sep 16, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sep 15, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 15, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289)
- Sep 15, 2025Passed/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, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3951.
- Sep 15, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4289)
- Sep 15, 2025Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Sep 9, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
- Sep 9, 2025Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259.
- Jul 23, 2025Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Jul 23, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 3, 2025Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
- Jun 24, 2025Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Jun 23, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Jun 12, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Jun 12, 2025Introduced in House