This bill aims to significantly expand veterans' access to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program, particularly for mental health and substance-use services . It amends title 38, United States Code, to allow veterans to receive residential mental health or substance-use care from community providers if the VA cannot accommodate their priority admission or furnish services in a timely manner that complies with its own access standards. This expansion addresses concerns that current VA policies limit veterans' options for critical mental health treatments, contributing to significant veteran suicide rates and long wait times. The legislation establishes minimum standards for community programs or facilities providing these services, requiring them to be state-licensed, accredited, and meet specific behavioral health standards. It also prohibits the VA from determining a veteran ineligible for care solely because VA health care providers cannot meet wait times or access standards. Furthermore, if multiple care options are available, the bill mandates that the VA permit the veteran to elect their preferred option, ensuring veteran choice in their treatment. To enhance transparency and oversight, the bill requires the VA to include detailed metrics in its annual community care review, such as the number of care requests, approvals, denials, and appeals, specifically for mental health services. Finally, it imposes a significant limitation on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, stating that any future modification to community care access standards will not take effect without the enactment of a joint resolution approving such changes, except for modifications related to mental health access standards developed under this Act.