The Vets CLEAR Act allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to deposit certain recovered funds into the Medical Care Collections Fund at the Secretary's discretion, with this authority set to expire on September 30, 2028. The bill expands the types of recoveries that can be deposited, including amounts collected through administrative, legal, or judicial processes related to medical care, services, or medication provided under VA programs. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to submit regular reports to Congress detailing the total amounts recovered and how the VA spent those funds, with reports due every 180 days during the authority's effective period. This legislation directly affects VA financial management and oversight by creating new flexibility in fund allocation while increasing transparency through mandated reporting.
This bill establishes a pilot program to provide mental health care to incarcerated veterans with service-connected disabilities related to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma, focusing on five facilities across different settings. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer telemental health services or mobile mental health units without charging copayments, while also creating a dedicated hub of VA health care providers for these veterans. Additionally, the bill mandates that federal prisons establish separate housing units for veterans where feasible and automatically resume VA compensation payments upon a veteran's release from incarceration. The legislation also requires the Bureau of Prisons to submit annual reports to Congress on data regarding incarcerated veterans.
This bill establishes a new Office of Novel Therapeutics within the Veterans Health Administration to prepare for the implementation of emerging mental health treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies, that are currently under FDA review. The office will develop national clinical standards, create training programs for staff, and designate specific medical centers as centers of excellence to lead research and implementation efforts. It also requires the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on research activities, clinical outcomes, and workforce readiness, while coordinating with other federal agencies on regulatory and reimbursement issues. The legislation focuses on ensuring patient safety, maintaining evidence-based practices, and providing integrated care for veterans with conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
This bill requires the President to develop a National Veterans Strategy every four years to coordinate government, nonprofit, and private sector efforts aimed at improving veterans' well-being across health, economic, education, and social areas. The President must establish specific metrics to measure veteran success in these areas and consult with a wide range of stakeholders including federal agencies, state and local governments, veterans service organizations, and the general public. The bill also includes a provision allowing Congress to disapprove the strategy within 60 days of submission, and mandates annual reports on implementation progress along with quadrennial reviews to assess effectiveness and update the strategy as needed.
This bill authorizes the creation of a service ribbon for National Guard members who perform homeland defense duties, directly recognizing their service in protecting the country. The legislation allows military department secretaries to award the ribbon to eligible service members or their next-of-kin if the member has died, with the design to be approved by the Secretary of Defense. The bill is based on findings that National Guard deployments in support of homeland security efforts have contributed to reduced crime rates and improved public safety in various locations. It establishes uniform regulations for the ribbon's issuance while leaving the specific design details to the Department of Defense.
This bill establishes a five-year pilot program to provide doula support services to pregnant and postpartum women veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program aims to improve maternal, mental health, and infant care outcomes by training doulas to advocate for veterans alongside medical teams, with sessions occurring before, during, and after labor and delivery. The pilot will operate in specific Veterans Integrated Service Networks selected based on female veteran enrollment rates and will include targeted support for populations facing higher health risks, such as American Indian or Alaska Native veterans. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2032, and the VA Secretary must submit annual reports on the program's impact to Congress, including recommendations on whether to expand the initiative.
The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act of 2026 would eliminate copayments for preventive health services received by veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes medications, hospital care, walk-in care, and services for survivors and dependents, as well as immunizations, screenings, and contraceptive services. The bill defines preventive services based on recommendations from established medical organizations and guidelines, ensuring coverage for evidence-based care. Changes would take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.
This resolution honors the six Ohio Air National Guard airmen who died in a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on March 12, 2026. It specifically recognizes the sacrifice of Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, along with their fellow crew members. The Senate expresses condolences to the families and friends of the fallen and acknowledges the critical role of mid-air refueling missions in supporting U.S. military operations. The resolution also recognizes the high readiness and professionalism of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which was recently awarded the National Guard Association of the United States Distinguished Flying Unit plaque.
This resolution formally recognizes the heroic actions of U.S. Combat Search and Rescue teams and Air Force personnel involved in recovering two American airmen who ejected over Iran in April 2026. The bill does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a formal expression of congressional appreciation for the rescue mission. It highlights the coordination between military and intelligence personnel, the endurance of the aviators during their evasion, and the successful extraction of both service members from hostile territory. The measure aims to honor the bravery displayed by the rescue teams and the pilots who survived the incident.
This resolution formally recognizes and honors Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces for their service during the Vietnam War and their support of U.S. military efforts in Southeast Asia. The bill highlights their contributions, including intelligence gathering, combat operations, and assistance during the 1975 evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel in Phnom Penh. It acknowledges the sacrifices these veterans made, including facing genocide after the Khmer Rouge takeover and resettling in the United States where they faced significant challenges. The resolution expresses gratitude for their partnership with U.S. forces and acknowledges their ongoing contributions to their communities and the nation.