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Bill

HR 3400

TRAVEL Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Case and 8 co-sponsors

The TRAVEL Act of 2025 allows the VA to assign traveling physicians to U.S. territories, improving healthcare access for veterans and reducing their travel burdens.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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Bill Summary · HR 3400

Summary of HR 3400 - TRAVEL Act of 2025

Overview

The TRAVEL Act of 2025, officially titled the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 14, 2025. The bill aims to enhance healthcare access for veterans residing in U.S. territories by allowing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assign physicians as traveling healthcare providers in these regions.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of the TRAVEL Act is to improve healthcare delivery to veterans living in U.S. territories, including:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands

The bill seeks to address the challenges veterans face in accessing necessary medical care, often requiring them to travel long distances at significant personal expense.

Key Provisions

  1. Assignment of Traveling Physicians:

    • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to assign physicians to serve as traveling physicians for up to one year at a time.
    • These physicians will provide healthcare at VA facilities or other approved locations within the territories.

  2. Coordination of Care:

    • Traveling physicians are required to coordinate with non-VA medical providers to ensure comprehensive and high-quality care for veterans.

  3. Compensation and Bonuses:

    • In addition to their standard pay, traveling physicians will receive relocation or retention bonuses similar to those provided under existing VA regulations.

  4. Extension of Pension Payment Limits:

    • The bill also extends certain limits on pension payments from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2032.

Impact

The TRAVEL Act is expected to significantly benefit veterans in U.S. territories by:
- Reducing the need for long-distance travel to access healthcare services.
- Improving the availability of medical professionals in underserved areas.
- Enhancing the overall quality of care through better coordination between VA and local healthcare providers.

Legislative Status

  • The bill has passed the House with a vote of 371-21 and is currently in the Senate, where it has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.

Conclusion

The TRAVEL Act of 2025 represents a critical step toward improving healthcare access for veterans in U.S. territories. By enabling the assignment of traveling physicians, the legislation aims to alleviate the burdens faced by veterans in these regions, ensuring they receive the essential medical care they have earned.

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

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