A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Innovation for VA Technology and Entrepreneurship Act or the INNOVATE Act, amends title 38 of the United States Code to empower the Veterans Health Administration to innovate. It establishes an Office of Innovation within the Veterans Health Administration to research, develop, and implement health care technologies and services for veterans. The legislation grants the Under Secretary for Health new authorities, such as entering into non-traditional transactions and advance market commitments with eligible United States entities. Additionally, it creates an Innovation Flexibility Account to gather funds from various sources to support innovation initiatives without using direct veteran care appropriations. Finally, the bill sets up strict reporting, oversight, and conflict-of-interest requirements to ensure accountability for these new actions.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +9
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The legislation is specifically designed to modernize the Veterans Health Administration and improve health outcomes and access for veterans.
- Scored +8
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The legislation establishes an Office of Innovation within the Veterans Health Administration to improve clinical care and health services for veterans.
- Scored +7
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill prioritizes expanding access to mental health care, behavioral health care, and suicide prevention care for veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 7391: Establishes an Office of Innovation to foster better health care and services for veterans, which could lead to improved clinical care and access.
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Section 7392: Allows small business concerns, including those owned by veterans and service-connected disabled veterans, the opportunity to participate in special innovation transactions to the extent practicable.
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Section 7392: Prioritizes expanding access to health care in rural areas, as well as mental health, behavioral health, and suicide prevention care.
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Section 7394: Creates the Innovation Flexibility Account explicitly protecting dollars appropriated for direct veteran care from being used to fund the account.
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Section 7395: Mandates conflict-of-interest reviews, financial interest disclosures, and mitigation plans to keep the process honest and accountable.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific provisions outlining negative impacts, burdens, or consequences for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The legislation is specifically designed to modernize the Veterans Health Administration and improve health outcomes and access for veterans. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill explicitly prioritizes expanding healthcare access in rural areas through its innovation programs. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill opens opportunities for small businesses and contractors to engage in innovative transactions with the VHA. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — As many veterans are older adults, improvements to the Veterans Health Administration directly benefit senior veterans. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improving healthcare services for vulnerable and low-income veterans helps support their overall well-being.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The legislation establishes an Office of Innovation within the Veterans Health Administration to improve clinical care and health services for veterans. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill prioritizes expanding access to mental health care, behavioral health care, and suicide prevention care for veterans. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill explicitly aims to expand health care access, particularly in rural areas and through advanced technologies. Does this put more money into medical research? — The legislation creates dedicated funding accounts and authorities to research and develop health care innovations and technologies.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation provides opportunities for small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses to participate in innovation transactions. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill fosters partnerships with early-stage businesses and promotes health care technology innovation.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill directly improves the quality and availability of health care benefits and services provided to veterans.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides flexible funding and authorities to accelerate research, development, and implementation of new healthcare technologies.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The legislation prioritizes expanding healthcare access in rural areas as part of its innovation framework.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates strict reporting, disclosure, conflict-of-interest reviews, and public website summaries for innovation activities.
- 11/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Morgan LuttrellRepublican · Texas