What does Preamble of TRAVEL Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code. It would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign physicians of the Department of Veterans Affairs to temporarily serve as traveling physicians in the territories and possessions of the United States. The bill's stated purpose is to authorize this assignment and for other purposes.

What does SHORT TITLE. of TRAVEL Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare Act``.

What does DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS ASSIGNMENT OF TRAVELING PHYSICIANS TO of TRAVEL Act of 2026 do?

This section amends title 38 of the United States Code to establish procedures for assigning physicians as 'traveling physicians' to serve in territories and possessions. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may assign physicians appointed under section 7401 to serve as traveling physicians for up to one year at a time. These physicians can provide healthcare to veterans in locations like American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, at Department facilities or other approved facilities. The Secretary can assign multiple physicians and designate specific territories or possessions for each. Traveling physicians are required to coordinate care with non-Department medical providers to ensure quality and coordinated care. In addition to regular pay, traveling physicians will receive a relocation or retention bonus, substantially similar to bonuses offered under section 7410(a). The section also includes technical and conforming amendments, including changes to sections 7410(a)(1) and 7431(e)(5)(B) to replace 'retention allowances' with 'retention bonuses'.

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TRAVEL Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/15/2026 · Introduced: 4/15/2026

Author: Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign physicians to serve as 'traveling physicians' in U.S. territories and possessions for up to one year.
Traveling physicians will provide healthcare to veterans in designated locations and coordinate care with other medical providers.
Physicians assigned as traveling physicians will receive a relocation or retention bonus in addition to their regular pay.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 3400(Passed House)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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