ARLINGTON, VA – Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) support the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act introduced by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), on June 10, 2026.
This bill finishes the job the MISSION Act started in 2018. It ensures the promise of veterans’ health care choice is reflected not only in department policy, but in everyday operational practice.
“Congress should seize this opportunity to strengthen and secure veterans’ access to care for the long term,” said Kelly Merkel, Director of Federal Government Affairs for Americans for Prosperity. “America’s veterans fulfilled their commitment to our nation. Lawmakers should fulfill theirs by ensuring these protections are written into law and preserved for future generations of veterans.”
“CVA has long fought to ensure our nation keeps its promise to veterans by delivering the care they need and deserve in recognition of their service and sacrifice,” said CVA Executive Director John Vick. “Veterans often face unique health care challenges; they should never have to choose between waiting for care and getting the care that best meets their needs. We’re encouraged to see the promise of greater access and choice move from a policy objective to an everyday reality.”
AFP and CVA see several key wins in this legislative package:
- Protection of Access Standards: Veterans will have certainty that their health care choice is protected by law.
- Community Care Functionality: The VA will be required by law to notify veterans within five days when they are eligible for community care, ensuring they have the resources needed to make an informed decision about their care options.
- Wait Time Calculation: The VA will no longer be able to manipulate wait times. The clock will start when a veteran requests care — not when the request is entered into the system. The VA also cannot reset wait times by canceling and rescheduling appointments and must honor the veteran’s original eligibility determination.
- Online Self-Service Portal: Veterans will be able to access a self-service portal to manage appointments, referrals, appeals, and other health care needs online.
- Mental Health: Veterans requiring urgent inpatient mental health treatment must receive a diagnosis within 48 hours and be placed in care within 48 hours. For all other mental health services, the VA must meet established access standards, helping veterans receive timely care without unnecessary travel or delays.
- Center for Innovation in Care and Payment: Enables the VA to provide cutting edge health care through innovative pilots.
- Veterans’ Health Administration Advisory Commission: Creates an independent commission to provide Congress with recommendations for improving the quality, efficiency, and long-term effectiveness of VA health care services for veterans.
AFP and CVA urge Congress to pass this legislation and deliver on the promise of timely, high-quality care for America’s veterans.
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