Territorial Response and Access to Veterans' Essential Lifecare Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 3400, as amended, the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans Essential Lifecare Act, otherwise known as the TRAVEL Act of 2025.

This legislation is a vital step toward improving healthcare access to veterans residing in U.S. territories, including my district, the Northern Mariana Islands.

Our veterans have served our country with honor, but too many of them still struggle to receive even the most basic care close to home.

The TRAVEL Act directly addresses the critical shortage of specialized medical care in remote and underserved areas. It authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to temporarily deploy VA physicians and medical specialists to the territories. These professionals would receive travel bonuses and provide much-needed care, helping close persistent gaps in the VA service network.

When I meet with veterans back home, I often hear the same heartbreaking stories: long travel, long waits, and feeling forgotten by the very system meant to care for them. This bill is driven by those voices. Their needs, their experiences, and their dignity are at the heart of the TRAVEL Act. This bill brings care to them rather than asking them to sacrifice even more.

I extend my deep appreciation to the Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost and Ranking Member Takano, as well as their dedicated staff, for their work and support of this legislation. This bipartisan effort reflects a shared commitment across the aisle and across the country ensuring that no veteran is left behind, no matter where they live.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the TRAVEL Act.

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