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HR10555119th CongressWALLET

VETS Access Act

Sponsored By: Representative Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]

Introduced

Summary

Expands VA access to community treatment and shelter for veterans with serious mental illness or homelessness. This bill would let the VA Secretary provide or contract for care, treatment, and rehabilitative services in community settings, including halfway houses, even if veterans do not meet current hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary eligibility rules.

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  • Veterans with serious mental illness: Would be eligible for VA-funded care and rehabilitation through community programs under a new subsection added to 38 U.S.C. §2031.
  • Veterans who are homeless: Would gain access to treatment and shelter services in community-based and halfway-house settings regardless of existing eligibility limits in 38 U.S.C. §1710.
  • VA operations and definitions: Authorizes the VA to furnish services directly or through contracts with community treatment facilities and amends 38 U.S.C. §2002(b) to cross-reference §2031 so those individuals are included in veteran definitions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More community mental health care for veterans

If enacted, this bill would let the VA provide mental health, treatment, and rehabilitative services in community treatment facilities, including halfway houses. This would apply to veterans suffering from serious mental illness and to veterans who are homeless. You would be able to get care even if you are not eligible for VA hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care under current law. The bill would also add these veterans into the statutory definition of "veteran" for benefits. These changes would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]

ME • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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