This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish specific benefits to veterans residing in the Freely Associated States (FAS) within one year of its enactment. These mandated services include telehealth benefits , mail order pharmacy benefits , and beneficiary travel payments , making their provision obligatory rather than discretionary. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must also submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing the status and cost of implementing these new requirements. Furthermore, the legislation extends the current limits on certain veteran pension payments. The deadline for these limits is moved from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033 , providing a two-month extension.
Congressional oversightDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadHealth care coverage and accessHealth technology, devices, suppliesMarshall IslandsMicronesiaPalauPostal servicePrescription drugsTransportation costsVeterans' medical care
Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act
USA119th CongressS-3436| Senate
| Updated: 12/18/2025
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish specific benefits to veterans residing in the Freely Associated States (FAS) within one year of its enactment. These mandated services include telehealth benefits , mail order pharmacy benefits , and beneficiary travel payments , making their provision obligatory rather than discretionary. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must also submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing the status and cost of implementing these new requirements. Furthermore, the legislation extends the current limits on certain veteran pension payments. The deadline for these limits is moved from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033 , providing a two-month extension.
Congressional oversightDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadHealth care coverage and accessHealth technology, devices, suppliesMarshall IslandsMicronesiaPalauPostal servicePrescription drugsTransportation costsVeterans' medical care