Bill · H.R. 6649· House(119-HR-6649)
Fit Vets Act
- Introduced
- 12/11/2025
- Last activity
- 1/15/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Jennifer Kiggans
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 5
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fit Vets Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program. The program aims to provide enrolled veterans with access to the "SilverSneakers" health and fitness program or a comparable evidence-based senior exercise program. This access would be part of the health care furnished under the laws administered by the Secretary. The Secretary has the authority to run this program on a national or regional basis. The authority for this pilot program is set to end three years after it is established. Finally, the Secretary must submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs regarding the program's results.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill creates a new health and fitness benefit specifically for enrolled veterans.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The bill establishes a pilot program to provide veterans with access to senior exercise programs.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill targets senior exercise programs to improve physical fitness and chronic disease management.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to fitness programs: The bill would provide eligible veterans access to the "SilverSneakers" program or another comparable evidence-based senior exercise program (Section 2(a)). This could help improve health and fitness.
-
Health outcome analysis: The program includes a requirement for an analysis of how the program affects health outcomes, specifically looking at physical fitness and chronic disease management (Section 2(e)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limited duration: The authority to run this pilot program is scheduled to terminate three years after it is established (Section 2(d)). This means the program is not guaranteed to be permanent.
-
Limited eligibility: Access is restricted to veterans who are enrolled in the patient enrollment system under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, and those who meet additional criteria established by the Secretary (Section 2(b)).
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+6Good For Seniors+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- 1/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/15/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 12/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Laura GillenDemocrat · New York
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Dave MinDemocrat · California
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California