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S 5246

Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and the commissioned corps of the public health service

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 1 co-sponsor

S 5246 - Expanding the Definition of Veteran OverviewBill Number: S 5246 Title: Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national ocea

SUBSTITUTED BY A6264
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Bill Summary · S 5246

S 5246 - Expanding the Definition of Veteran

Overview

Bill Number: S 5246
Title: Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and the commissioned corps of the public health service
Status: SUBSTITUTED BY A6264
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to expand the legal definition of "veteran" to include members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service (PHS). This change would grant these service members the same rights, benefits, and privileges afforded to traditional military veterans.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the definition of "veteran" in Title 38 of the United States Code to include:
    • Officers of the commissioned corps of the NOAA
    • Officers of the commissioned corps of the PHS
  • Ensures these NOAA and PHS officers are eligible for the same federal veteran benefits, services, and programs as members of the Armed Forces
  • Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update its policies, regulations, and procedures to reflect the expanded definition

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Current and former officers of the NOAA and PHS commissioned corps would be newly recognized as veterans and gain access to VA benefits and services
  • Federal agencies that administer veteran programs, such as the VA, would need to update their processes to accommodate the expanded definition
  • State and local governments may need to update their own veteran-related policies and programs to align with the federal changes

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the Senate on February 20, 2025 and has since been substituted by a similar bill, A6264, in the House of Representatives. The legislative process is ongoing, and the bill must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by the President before taking effect. If enacted, the changes to the veteran definition would likely be implemented over a period of time as federal agencies update their policies and procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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