Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare Act; TRAVEL Act of 2025
Summary
The Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare Act (TRAVEL Act of 2025) authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign physicians to serve temporarily in U.S. territories and possessions. These physicians would provide healthcare to veterans in these areas, addressing potential gaps in medical services. The Act also extends certain limits on pension payments.
Expected Effects
This act will increase healthcare access for veterans residing in U.S. territories by assigning traveling physicians. It also provides relocation or retention bonuses to incentivize physicians to serve in these locations. The extension of pension payment limits offers continued financial support to eligible veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Improved healthcare access for veterans in U.S. territories.
- Potential for higher quality and coordinated care through collaboration with non-Department medical providers.
- Incentives for physicians to serve in underserved areas.
- Continued pension payments for eligible veterans.
- Addresses healthcare disparities in U.S. territories.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on the Department of Veterans Affairs' resources.
- Possible disruption of existing healthcare services in territories.
- Limited long-term impact due to the temporary nature of physician assignments.
- Administrative overhead associated with managing traveling physicians and bonuses.
- Potential for inequitable distribution of resources among different territories.
Constitutional Alignment
The TRAVEL Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare access for veterans, a specific group of citizens. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. Congress has the power to legislate in this area under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
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).