Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously passes rural veterans telehealth bill

01 November 2026

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee has approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The Improving Access to Care for Rural Veterans Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to form agreements between its own medical facilities and civilian rural health providers.

The measure would allow the VA to enter a range of arrangements with rural civilian caregivers, including leasing space and equipment, training and care coordination. The bipartisan effort aims to connect the nearly 3 million veterans who live in rural areas.

In a joint statement, Senators Blackburn and Duckworth highlighted the importance of the bill in their home states. "As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, helping our veterans get the care they need is a top priority," said Senator Blackburn. "Right now, our rural veterans aren't getting the care they deserve, and this bipartisan legislation will work to change that by increasing access to essential care in communities across Tennessee and the nation."

Senator Duckworth added, "Our nation's heroes deserve world-class medical care when and where they need it. But veterans in rural areas–including thousands of Illinoisans who served our nation with valor–often can't easily access quality, holistic treatment. Just as we strengthened veterans' caregiving access last Congress, this legislation will expand care and telehealth access to our rural veterans in the communities where they currently reside."

The bill is already earning support from top veterans service organizations and rural health groups. "AMVETS is proud to endorse this bill, which will significantly improve health care access for our rural veterans," said Joe Chenelly, Executive Director, AMVETS. "As a nation, we must provide the best care possible to those who have honorably served our country. By increasing access to VA health care, the Improving Access to Care for Rural Veterans Act is a step in the right direction. AMVETS urges Congress to support and pass this legislation, and we thank Senator Blackburn and Senator Duckworth for their continued leadership on this important issue."

Additionally, "The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is pleased to endorse the Improving Access to Care for Rural Veterans Act," said Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director, DAV. "The COVID-19 pandemic had an outsized impact on the ability for our most vulnerable veterans to access care in rural areas. While the VA responded with the best it could, these challenges have more clearly illuminated the need for more flexible options to help veterans connect with care regardless of where they live. In introducing this bill, we look forward to working with our partners to improve the health of the 3 million veterans in rural areas."

Finally, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds the bill, noting: "Maintaining health is key to improving the economic security of veterans in rural America. These efforts will further boost the care of veterans, as well as further integrate health facilities to support rural communities as a whole," said Alan Morgan, President and CEO, National Rural Health Association. "The NRHA commends Senators Blackburn and Duckworth for this and remains committed to working with them and all Veterans' stakeholders to ensure rural veterans have access to the health care they earned."

The committee advance doesn't guarantee the bill will reach the Senate floor. If it does, Senate Republicans and Democrats will need to find 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. If the bill then passed the Senate, House approval and the President’s signature would be needed to sign it into law.