# 119-hr-740: Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

119-hr-740, Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12] (R-IL); status in_committee; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-740
- As of: 2026-09-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-740
- Congress: 119
- Title: Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
- Status: in_committee
- Introduced: 2025-01-28
- Sponsor: Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12] (R-IL)
- Cosponsors: 90
- Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
- Touches household money: yes
- Last recorded action: 2026-09-21

## Summary

**Faster, clearer access to VA community care and mental health treatment.** This bill would set measurable drive‑time and wait‑time standards for community care, tighten timelines and appeals for denials, and standardize rapid screening and admission for residential mental health programs. - Veterans and households: Veterans would get written notice of eligibility within two business days and VA would have to schedule primary, mental health, and most extended care within a 30‑minute average drive and 20 days of request. Specialty care would be scheduled within a 60‑minute drive and 28 days. - Mental health patients and families: The bill would require a standardized clinical screen within 48 hours of an admission request and admission of priority cases within 48 hours of determination. Placement must weigh veteran preferences and proximity to social supports and VA must offer accredited non‑VA options and transportation help if it cannot meet standards. - Providers and VA modernization: Provider claim deadlines would extend from 180 days to 1 year. The bill would reform the Center for Innovation with a required budget line item, create a three‑year pilot in at least five sites to allow outpatient mental health and substance use care without referrals, and require an interactive online self‑service appointment and appeals tool with a plan due in 180 days.

## Cosponsors (90)

- Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23] (R-TX), 2025-09-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] (R-GA), 2025-09-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2] (R-NJ), 2025-09-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. DesJarlais, Scott [R-TN-4] (R-TN), 2025-09-15T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2] (R-IN), 2025-09-15T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4] (R-KY), 2025-09-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2] (R-IA), 2025-09-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] (D-MS), 2025-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4] (R-IA), 2025-10-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10] (R-GA), 2025-10-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY), 2025-10-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1] (R-MI), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8] (R-AZ), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1] (R-IA), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7] (R-MI), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2] (R-VA), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large] (R-MP), 2025-01-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] (R-FL), 2025-02-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3] (R-NC), 2025-02-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3] (R-WI), 2025-02-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18] (R-FL), 2025-02-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3] (R-SC), 2025-02-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2] (R-TX), 2025-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11] (R-FL), 2025-02-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] (R-TX), 2025-03-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8] (R-TX), 2025-03-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6] (R-NC), 2025-03-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8] (R-FL), 2025-03-21T00:00:00.000Z
- Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large] (R-AS), 2025-03-21T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large] (R-AK), 2025-03-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7] (R-OH), 2025-03-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1] (R-SC), 2025-03-31T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5] (R-FL), 2025-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24] (R-NY), 2025-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6] (R-AZ), 2025-04-08T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14] (R-NC), 2025-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2] (R-MT), 2025-04-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8] (R-MN), 2025-04-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5] (R-WA), 2025-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7] (R-SC), 2025-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11] (R-NY), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8] (R-TN), 2025-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7] (R-MN), 2025-05-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4] (R-SC), 2025-05-08T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. James, John [R-MI-10] (R-MI), 2025-05-19T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2] (R-NV), 2025-06-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15] (R-FL), 2025-06-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15] (R-TX), 2025-06-26T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8] (R-IN), 2025-06-26T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6] (R-FL), 2025-06-26T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5] (R-AZ), 2025-06-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1] (R-MN), 2025-06-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5] (R-AL), 2025-06-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4] (R-TX), 2025-07-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6] (R-OH), 2025-07-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3] (R-IN), 2025-07-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2] (R-OH), 2025-08-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5] (R-CO), 2025-08-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2] (R-KS), 2025-09-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3] (R-IA), 2025-09-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] (R-FL), 2025-09-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25] (R-TX), 2025-09-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5] (R-VA), 2025-09-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4] (R-AR), 2025-09-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4] (R-MS), 2025-09-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2] (R-AZ), 2025-10-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6] (R-IN), 2025-10-08T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6] (D-LA), 2025-10-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23] (R-NY), 2025-10-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38] (R-TX), 2025-10-31T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7] (R-FL), 2025-10-31T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] (R-PA), 2025-11-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7] (R-GA), 2026-01-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3] (R-CO), 2026-02-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3] (R-FL), 2026-02-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7] (R-WI), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23] (R-CA), 2026-03-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19] (R-FL), 2026-03-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2] (R-OR), 2026-03-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11] (R-NC), 2026-03-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16] (R-PA), 2026-03-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41] (R-CA), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14] (R-OH), 2026-03-27T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large] (R-ND), 2026-04-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4] (R-CO), 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3] (R-MS), 2026-04-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5] (R-TN), 2026-04-28T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5] (R-MI), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7] (R-PA), 2026-05-19T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6] (R-TN), 2026-06-11T00:00:00.000Z

## Provisions PRIA read

- Faster non‑VA care choices for veterans: benefit, high. This bill would let covered veterans use non‑VA care when VA cannot meet set drive‑time or wait‑time standards. Primary care, mental health, and most extended care would need a VA appointment within 30 minutes driving time and within 20 days of the request. Specialty care would need a VA appointmen…
- Faster residential mental‑health admissions: benefit, high. This bill would require VA to set a standard clinical screening process within one year for residential mental health and substance use care. Veterans must be screened within 48 hours of a request and, if eligible for priority admission, admitted within 48 hours of that decision. If VA cannot admit…
- Online tools and direct mental‑health pilot: benefit, medium. This bill would require VA to build an interactive online module so veterans can request appointments, track VA and non‑VA referrals, get appointment reminders, and appeal denials. The plan for that tool would be due within 180 days and VA would send quarterly updates for two years. The bill would…
- More time for providers to file claims: benefit, low. This bill would give health‑care entities and providers up to one year to submit VA prompt‑payment claims instead of the current 180 days. The change would be effective upon enactment and would not change payment rates.
- Stronger VA innovation center oversight: mixed, medium. This bill would place the VA Center for Innovation in the Office of the Secretary and make several of its authorities mandatory. The Center would need a budget line item in VA budget documents and must report to Congress at least once a year on activities and outcomes. The Center could use specifie…

## Related bills

- 119-hr-425: Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act
- 119-hr-38: Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025
- 119-hres-719: Honoring the life and legacy of Charles Charlie James Kirk.
- 119-hr-1628: 761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act
- 119-hr-703: Main Street Tax Certainty Act
- 119-hr-1301: Death Tax Repeal Act

## Sources
- [119-hr-740 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/740)

## Related
- [119-hr-425: Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-425)
- [119-hr-38: Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-38)
- [119-hres-719: Honoring the life and legacy of Charles Charlie James Kirk.](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hres-719)
- [119-hr-1628: 761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-1628)
- [119-hr-703: Main Street Tax Certainty Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-703)
- [119-hr-1301: Death Tax Repeal Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-1301)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-740 (as of 2026-09-21).