Transforming Healing, Resilience, and Integrative Veteran Engagement Act of 2025; THRIVE Act of 2025
Summary
The THRIVE Act of 2025 (H.R. 5943) directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a Task Force on Complementary and Integrative Health/Whole Health. The task force will assess and make recommendations regarding the accessibility and effectiveness of complementary and integrative health therapies for veterans. The goal is to improve treatment for conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety, and to prevent suicide among veterans.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to improve veterans' access to and the effectiveness of complementary and integrative health therapies within the VA system. This could lead to better mental health outcomes and reduced suicide rates among veterans. The task force's recommendations and the subsequent reports will guide the VA in expanding or modifying its approach to veteran healthcare.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to complementary and integrative health therapies for veterans.
- Enhanced treatment outcomes for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety.
- Reduced suicide rates among veterans.
- Better integration of emerging therapies like peer-led and health coaching models into veteran care.
- Identification of gaps in research and implementation of these therapies within the VA system.
Potential Disadvantages
- The effectiveness of the task force depends on the quality and implementation of its recommendations.
- There may be a delay in benefits as the task force needs to be established and complete its work.
- The bill requires resources for the task force and potential expansion of therapies, which could strain the VA budget.
- The impact is dependent on the VA Secretary acting on the recommendations of the task force.
- There is a risk that the task force's recommendations may not be fully implemented or effective.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). By improving healthcare for veterans, the bill supports those who have served in the military. Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8), and this bill falls under that power by caring for veterans' health.
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).