Introduced in House — H.R. 9316

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9316

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 15, 2026

Ms. King-Hinds introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility of veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in certain territories or the Freely Associated States for payments or allowances for beneficiary travel.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Travel Assistance for Veterans in Medical Deserts Act.

Sec. 2. Expansion of eligibility of veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in certain territories or the Freely Associated States for payments or allowances for beneficiary travel

Section 111(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1)(B)—

(A)

by striking rated at 30 percent or more. and inserting an em dash; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following new clauses:

(i)
rated at 30 percent or more; or
(ii)
without regard to rating in the case of a veteran who resides in a covered jurisdiction in which no medical facility of the Department is located.; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(5)
In this subsection:
(A)
The term covered jurisdiction means a territory or the Freely Associated States.
(B)
The term Freely Associated States has the meaning given such term in subsection (h).
(C)
The term territory has the meaning given such term in section 5 of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (Public Law 114–187; 48 U.S.C. 2104).