S-3436 : Still Just a Bill

The "Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act" (S. 3436) proposes amendments to title 38, United States Code, primarily focusing on enhancing services for veterans residing in the Freely Associated States. This Act aims to:

• Mandate the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide telehealth benefits and mail order pharmacy benefits to eligible veterans in the Freely Associated States within one year of the Act's enactment.
• Require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make beneficiary travel payments for these veterans, changing the existing discretionary authority ("may make payments") to a mandatory requirement ("shall make payments") within one year of enactment.
• Require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit quarterly reports to the appropriate committees of Congress on the status and cost of implementing these new provisions.
• Extend the expiration date for certain limits on pension payments from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033.