When it comes to veterans’ benefits, you know how rare it is to hear real good news. But this week, lawmakers in the House introduced two proposals that could have a major impact on thousands of veterans and their families across the country. Both bills focus on groups of veterans who have often been left out or struggled to get the full recognition they deserve. Let us take a closer look at what is being proposed and how it may affect you or someone you know.
What is the POW Priority Care Act
The first proposal is called the POW Priority Care Act (H.R. 5539). It was introduced by Rep. Mark Walberg, R-Mich., along with bipartisan cosponsors Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. The timing was no accident—it was introduced on Sept. 19, to mark POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Currently, former prisoners of war are grouped under Priority Group 3 in the VA system. That is the same category as Purple Heart recipients and veterans with a 10 to 20 percent disability rating. Veterans in this group often have to pay copays for medications and other non-service-connected treatments.
The new bill would move POWs into Priority Group 1, which is the top level. That means:
- No copays for inpatient and outpatient VA services.
- Faster access to health care.
- Recognition of the sacrifices POWs have made.
As Walberg put it, “Prisoners of War have endured the unthinkable to defend our freedoms and deserve access to timely and quality care.”
What is the Veteran Service Recognition Act
The second proposal is the Veteran Service Recognition Act (H.R. 5535), led by Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif. This bill would directly help noncitizen service members and veterans. For many years, immigrants have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, but their path to citizenship has often been uncertain.
Here is what the bill would do:
- Allow noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization during basic training.
- Give noncitizen veterans who were deported or ordered removed a chance to return legally, as long as they served honorably and were not convicted of serious crimes.
Takano summed it up clearly: “If you are willing to raise your right hand, put on the uniform, and defend this country, you should have a clear path to citizenship.”
This is not the first time Takano has introduced the bill. It passed the House in 2022 but did not make it through the Senate. This time, he is working with Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., to push it forward again.
How these changes could impact veterans and families
If both bills move forward, the effects will be significant.
For POWs and their families, it means less financial stress and faster access to the care they desperately need. For immigrant service members and their loved ones, it means stability, recognition, and in many cases, the chance to call America home without fear of deportation.
Both bills are currently in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Takano’s bill is also under review in the House Judiciary Committee.
Related article:
Disabled veteran frustrated with VA delays: “My PACT Act therapy is stalled because of staff cuts”
Veterans can save big on car insurance — here’s how
