S.1853 - Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1853, the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025, aims to improve the provision of direct housing loans and medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Native Hawaiians. The bill amends Title 38 of the United States Code to redefine eligibility for housing loans and ensure reimbursement for healthcare services provided through the Native Hawaiian health care system. It also exempts Native Hawaiians from cost-sharing for medical care provided by the VA.
The bill seeks to provide parity for Native Hawaiian veterans by aligning their benefits with those of Native American veterans and improving access to healthcare services. This is achieved by amending existing sections of Title 38 and referencing the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Ms. Hirono and Mr. Schatz and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill will expand access to housing loans for Native Hawaiian veterans by aligning the definition of eligible lands with the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. It will also ensure that Native Hawaiian health care systems are reimbursed for providing care to eligible veterans, regardless of the care delivery method.
Furthermore, Native Hawaiian veterans will be exempt from cost-sharing requirements for medical care provided by the VA. This could lead to increased utilization of healthcare services and improved health outcomes for this population.
Overall, the bill aims to reduce disparities in access to benefits and healthcare for Native Hawaiian veterans, bringing them closer to parity with other veteran populations.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to housing loans for Native Hawaiian veterans.
- Reimbursement for Native Hawaiian health care systems, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Exemption from cost-sharing for medical care, reducing financial burden on veterans.
- Increased utilization of healthcare services, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
- Greater equity in benefits and services for Native Hawaiian veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs to the Department of Veterans Affairs due to reimbursement and cost-sharing exemptions.
- Possible administrative complexities in implementing the reimbursement system for Native Hawaiian health care systems.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the reimbursement process, requiring robust oversight mechanisms.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on Native Hawaiian veterans and potentially overlooking other underserved veteran populations.
- The bill's impact is dependent on the effective implementation and coordination between the VA and Native Hawaiian health care systems.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiian veterans by providing them with better access to housing and healthcare. Specifically, the preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare".
Congress has the power to legislate for the military under Article I, Section 8, which includes providing for veterans. The bill falls under this enumerated power.
There are no apparent constitutional conflicts, as the bill does not infringe on individual rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).