Bills · S 3436
PASSED SENATE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3436PalauVeterans' medical care
Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act
INTRO DEC 11· LAST ACTION DEC 18
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
9BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing challenge for U.S. veterans living in the Freely Associated States, who often face significant barriers to accessing VA healthcare due to their remote locations and limited local facilities. By making telehealth, mail-order pharmacies, and beneficiary travel mandatory, the bill aims to close this gap, ensuring these veterans receive comparable care to those in the U.S. This directly impacts their health and quality of life.
If this bill becomes law, these veterans will no longer depend on discretionary VA decisions for these crucial services, leading to more predictable and reliable healthcare. If it doesn't pass, veterans in these areas might continue to struggle with limited access to modern healthcare options, potentially exacerbating health issues and creating inequities in care based on geographic location. The slight extension of a pension payment limit also means a specific financial rule impacting some beneficiaries will remain in place for a couple of extra months.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The VA must provide telehealth benefits and mail-order pharmacy benefits to eligible veterans in the Freely Associated States within one year of the bill becoming law.
This provision ensures that veterans in remote Pacific islands can access healthcare services and medications without needing to travel long distances, significantly improving their access to care.
PROVISION 02
The VA must make payments for beneficiary travel for eligible veterans in the Freely Associated States to access medical care, starting within one year.
This changes travel payment from optional to mandatory, guaranteeing financial support for veterans to reach necessary medical appointments.
PROVISION 03
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit quarterly reports to Congress on the implementation status and costs of these new services for FAS veterans.
This ensures ongoing oversight and accountability, allowing Congress to monitor the VA's progress and the financial impact of providing these expanded benefits.
PROVISION 04
The expiration date for certain limitations on VA pension payments is extended from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033.
This provision extends a specific financial rule affecting some pension beneficiaries for an additional two months, maintaining the current structure for a slightly longer period.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 9
R· Kansas
YRS IN OFFICE
29
BILLS LED
85
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 88%
DEM 5 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
8 EVENTSDEC 18
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
DEC 18
Received in the House.
DEC 18
Held at the desk.
DEC 17
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3436
Congress119th
StatusPassed Senate
IntroducedDec 11, 2025
Last actionDec 18, 2025
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PASSED SENATE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 11, 2025
Senate BillS 3436PalauVeterans' medical care
Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act
INTRODUCED DEC 11, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
9
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
