US
Us Congress House Bill HB1971

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1971

Introduced
3/10/25  
Refer
3/10/25  

Caption

Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act or the Veterans SPORT ActThis bill includes adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities within the definition of medical services under the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under the bill, these artificial limbs must be furnished as medical services to eligible veterans.

Impact

The inclusion of adaptive prostheses in the medical services furnished to veterans signifies a shift in the understanding of veterans' needs, focusing not just on medical rehabilitation but also on enhancing the quality of life through recreational opportunities. By facilitating access to adaptive sports equipment, the bill is expected to promote physical health and well-being among veterans, as well as opportunities for social interaction and community engagement.

Summary

House Bill 1971, known as the Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act or the Veterans SPORT Act, aims to amend existing legislation to ensure that adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and recreational activities are included in the medical services provided to eligible veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This legislation recognizes the importance of enabling veterans to participate fully in sports and recreational activities through access to specialized adaptive equipment.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its inclusive health approach, there may be concerns regarding budget implications and the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement new provisions effectively. Opponents could raise questions about the allocation of funding for such equipment and whether expanding services to cover recreational devices might divert resources from other vital medical services. Thus, the legislative discourse surrounding HB1971 will likely address the balancing of resources against expanding veterans' access to recreational therapies.

Congress_id

119-HR-1971

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-03-10

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB9478

Veterans SPORT Act Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act

US HB10012

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

US HB6800

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act

US HB5697

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a certain form by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB10396

To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnishes certain non-opioid pain medications to veterans, and for other purposes.

US SB5460

A bill to modify the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

US HB214

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

US HB10430

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services outside a State to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as permanent and total, and for other purposes.

US SB5624

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling appointments for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SB3834

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a form for reimbursement of certain travel expenses by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.