Bill · S. 2171· Senate(119-S-2171)
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 6/25/2025
- Last activity
- 6/25/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S3534)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes to amend title 38 of the United States Code to establish a smoking prohibition. It specifically targets the premises of any facility belonging to the Veterans Health Administration. Under this rule, no person—including veterans, patients, employees, or visitors—would be allowed to smoke. The definition of smoking includes tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes. This change would apply to various lands and buildings under the jurisdiction and control of the Veterans Health Administration.
Yes
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
The ban on smoking may improve long-term health outcomes and cleaner environments for veterans using VA facilities.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+3
The bill promotes healthier public spaces for veterans, despite restricting smoking on VA premises.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+2
While it restricts lifestyle choices, it promotes a healthier environment within VA facilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Comprehensive Prohibition of Smoking Products: By defining smoking to include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems like vape pens, the bill addresses various forms of nicotine use (Section 1715(a)(1)(b)).
-
Broad Coverage of Facilities: The bill applies the prohibition to any land or building under the jurisdiction and control of the Veterans Health Administration, including medical centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics (Section 1715(a)(1)(b)(1)).
-
Uniform Rules for All Individuals: The prohibition applies to everyone on the premises, including veterans, patients, residents, employees, contractors, and visitors (Section 1715(a)(1)(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Veterans and Visitors: Individuals who use tobacco or electronic nicotine delivery systems will no longer be able to smoke while on the premises of Veterans Health Administration facilities (Section 1715(a)(1)(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- 6/25/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S3534)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington