H.R.1971 - Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act; Veterans SPORT Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1971, also known as the Veterans SPORT Act, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to include adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and recreational activities within the medical services provided to eligible veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
The Act seeks to ensure that veterans have access to the necessary equipment to participate in sports and recreational activities, promoting their physical and mental well-being. This would expand the scope of medical services currently furnished to veterans.
The bill's short title is the "Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act" or the "Veterans SPORT Act".
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.1971 would broaden the medical services available to veterans, specifically including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and recreational activities. This would likely increase the demand for these specialized devices and related services within the VA healthcare system.
Veterans who have lost limbs or have other physical impairments would gain greater access to equipment that allows them to participate in sports and recreational activities. This could improve their quality of life and overall health.
The Department of Veterans Affairs would need to adjust its budget and resource allocation to accommodate the increased demand for these services.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Quality of Life: Veterans with disabilities would have greater access to adaptive prostheses, enabling them to participate in sports and recreational activities, leading to improved physical and mental well-being.
- Enhanced Rehabilitation: The inclusion of sports and recreational therapy can aid in the rehabilitation process for veterans with limb loss or other physical impairments.
- Increased Physical Activity: Providing adaptive equipment encourages veterans to engage in physical activity, reducing the risk of secondary health conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles.
- Social Inclusion: Participation in sports and recreational activities can foster social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation among veterans with disabilities.
- Recognition of Service: The Act acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans and provides them with resources to lead fulfilling lives after their service.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Expanding the scope of medical services to include adaptive prostheses and terminal devices will likely increase the financial burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Administrative Challenges: The VA may face challenges in determining eligibility criteria, procuring specialized equipment, and managing the increased demand for these services.
- Potential for Abuse: There is a risk that some veterans may attempt to obtain adaptive prostheses for non-recreational purposes or engage in fraudulent activities.
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses specifically on adaptive prostheses and terminal devices, potentially neglecting other important aspects of veterans' healthcare needs.
- Dependence on Appropriations: The availability of these services will depend on Congress allocating sufficient funds to the VA, which may be subject to political considerations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of veterans. The Constitution's preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare".
Congress has the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare, which includes caring for veterans who have served in the military. This is implied in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to raise and support armies.
However, the specific details of implementation and funding would need to be carefully considered to ensure compliance with other constitutional principles, such as equal protection and due process.
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).