H.R. 1733 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Feb 27, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands VA transportation grants for rural veterans
The VA currently runs a program that helps veterans in highly rural areas get to medical appointments by providing transportation. This bill would expand the program to include veterans in rural areas too, not just highly rural ones. It would also let the VA give grants to county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations to help with these transportation needs, increase the maximum grant amount to $60,000 (or up to $80,000 if a vehicle needs to be accessible for disabilities), and make the program permanent rather than temporary.
How it affects you
If you're a veteran living in a rural or highly rural area, this could make it easier to get to VA medical appointments. County veterans organizations and tribal organizations in your area might also be able to apply for funding to help veterans like you with transportation to care.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 27, 2025)
Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act
This bill expands and makes permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant program that provides transportation options to veterans for medical purposes.
First, the bill expands the program to cover transportation for veterans in rural areas, in addition to veterans in highly rural areas (who are already eligible under the program).
The bill also authorizes the VA to award such grants to county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations to assist veterans with transportation for medical care.
Further, the bill increases the maximum grant amount to $60,000. However, if a grant recipient is required to purchase a vehicle to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, such grant amount may be increased to not more than $80,000.
Finally, the bill defines rural and highly rural in the same manner as the terms are given under the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system of the Department of Agriculture. RUCA uses population density and commuting patterns to assign designations.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1733
A BILL
Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act
Sponsor: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) · Introduced Feb 27, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 27, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.”