Press Releases

Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), released the following statement after Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins announced that VA will accelerate implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, and included provisions to make it easier for veterans to use the VA Community Care program to access the healthcare that meets their needs.

“Veterans should always have access to the best healthcare that meets their individual needs – whether that’s inside or outside VA – and without a paperwork nightmare to make that happen. The Dole Act included House Republicans’ requirements to streamline the process and do exactly that,” said Chairman Bost. “I am thrilled to see Secretary Collins announcement today that VA will speed up implementation of this part of the Dole Act to improve access to care. House Republicans are intent on ending the Biden-era bureaucratic control over veterans’ healthcare by ensuring that every veteran across the country has access to the health care and services they want. Today’s action by the Trump administration is in lockstep with our efforts.”

Background:
In January, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – introduced legislation to increase access to mental health and addiction services and other life-saving care for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). H.R. 740, The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025, is supported by major veteran service organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, America’s Warrior Partnership, Disabled American Veterans. During the Biden administration, House Republicans uncovered disturbing stories of VA bureaucrats intentionally restricting veterans’ healthcare choice in an effort to keep veterans stuck in line in the VA system. The Veterans’ ACCESS Act, would rightfully protect and preserve the intent of the MISSION Act and the VA community care program so that no bureaucrat can stand in the way of veterans accessing the healthcare they have earned – whether that is inside or outside the VA.

The Committee continues to hold oversight hearings on shortcomings regarding healthcare access for veterans across the country, including as it relates to scheduling appointments, mental health care, and more. Chairman Bost’s most recent op-ed to make the case for the Veterans’ ACCESS Act can be read here.