H.R. 5277 Introduced Armed Forces and National Security

HEAL Act

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the payments or allowances that individuals, including veterans service organizations, receive for transportation of veterans to or from facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] Introduced September 10, 2025 Cosponsors 3 (2 R, 1 D) Latest action September 22, 2025

Summary

Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act or the HEAL Act
This bill modifies the administration of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel benefit available to individuals traveling for vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for examination, treatment, or care.
The bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel to or from VA facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment or care. Specifically, the bill raises the rate from 41.5 cents per mile to the rate for a privately owned automobile when no government vehicle is available (currently 70 cents per mile).
The bill prohibits the VA from requiring a deductible for beneficiary travel for examination, treatment, or care.
The bill also provides that veterans service organizations and veterans service agencies that provide transportation for examinations, treatment, or care to veterans may be allowed expenses of travel upon the same basis as such veteran beneficiaries.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 22, 2025 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
  2. Sep 10, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  3. Sep 10, 2025 Introduced in House

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