U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding access to cutting-edge medical treatments for veterans, particularly those suffering from mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.
The proposal, known as the Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act, seeks to ensure the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is equipped to evaluate and implement emerging therapies as they become available.
Sheehy said the legislation is rooted in a commitment to better serve veterans returning from combat.
“After young Americans who signed up to fight for our nation and were willing to give up their own lives for others come home, we better make sure the VA is ready to care for them and that they have access to the best, most innovative care available,” Sheehy said.
The bill would establish a dedicated Office of Novel Therapeutics within the Veterans Health Administration to coordinate the evaluation and rollout of new treatments. It also calls for improved workforce readiness, centralized oversight, and the development of clinical infrastructure needed to safely administer emerging therapies.
Sheehy was joined in introducing the measure by Sens. Tammy Duckworth, Ruben Gallego, and John Boozman, underscoring bipartisan support for the effort.
Supporters say the legislation addresses a growing need as new therapies—including some currently under federal review—show promise in treating complex conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain.
Duckworth said the measure would help modernize how the VA delivers care for veterans with “invisible wounds,” while also improving oversight and accountability through required reporting to Congress.
Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, emphasized the importance of exploring new treatment options for veterans who have not responded to traditional therapies, noting that emerging approaches may offer hope where other treatments have failed.
Boozman added that ensuring timely access to new therapies following federal approval would provide veterans with more options to improve their health and recovery.
Veterans advocacy groups also voiced support for the proposal, arguing it would help close the gap between rapid innovation in medical research and the pace at which those treatments become available to veterans.
The legislation aims to position the VA as a leader in safely implementing new therapies, while reducing reliance on costly or fragmented care outside the federal system. Supporters say it represents a proactive step to ensure veterans receive timely access to the most effective treatments available.