Bill · H.R. 2642· House(119-HR-2642)
Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 5/9/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Mast
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allow Members of Congress to use Department of Veterans Affairs facilities to meet with their constituents. The Secretary and the Administrator of General Services will work together to find available spaces for these meetings. Specific regulations will be created within 90 days to govern how these spaces are used. These rules will cover requirements for space accessibility, rent rates, and prohibited political activities. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of these facilities during certain election periods.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
Veterans benefit from increased accessibility to their congressional representatives through local VA facilities.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
The bill facilitates easier access to congressional services within VA facilities for veterans.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+4
The bill includes strict protections against the recording of patients and visitors within VA facilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased accessibility for constituent meetings: The bill allows Members of Congress to use Department of Veterans Affairs facilities to meet with constituents, provided the space is available during normal business hours and in a visible, accessible location (Section 2, subsection a and b(1)).
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Fair rental rates for office space: The regulations will ensure that the rent charged to Members is similar to the rates charged by the Administrator of General Services for office space in that area (Section 2, subsection b(1)(C)).
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Protection of privacy and security: The bill includes prohibitions against photographing or recording veteran patients, or photographing/recording any patient, visitor, or employee without their consent (Section 2, subsection b(3)(D) and (E)). It also prohibits activities that interfere with the security or normal operation of the facility (Section 2, subsection b(3)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on use during election periods: Members of Congress may be prevented from using these facilities during the 60-day period preceding an election for Federal office in that specific jurisdiction (Section 2, subsection b(4)).
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Prohibition of certain political expressions: The regulations prohibit any statements or actions that solicit, support, or oppose changes to Federal law or policy (Section 2, subsection b(3)(B)).
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Limitations on space availability: Use of the facilities is subject to the condition that the space is not in regular use by Department personnel and that the use does not impede Department operations (Section 2, subsection b(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+5Good For People With Disabilities+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+4Improves Government Transparency+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+3
- 4/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 4/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Mike FloodRepublican · Nebraska
Brad FinstadRepublican · Minnesota
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
David JoyceRepublican · Ohio
Mariannette Miller-MeeksRepublican · Iowa
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia