September 19, 2025
Mr. Walberg (for himself, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, and Mr. Gottheimer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To amend title 38, United States Code, to assign the highest priority status for hospital care and medical services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who are former prisoners of war.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the POW Priority Care Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Highest priority status for enrollment of former prisoners of war in health care system of Department of Veterans Affairs
(a) Enrollment
Section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking and veterans
and inserting , veterans
; and
(B)
by striking the period at the end and inserting , and veterans who are former prisoners of war.
; and
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking who are former prisoners of war or
.
(b) Extended care services
Section 1710B(c)(2)(D) of such title is amended by inserting a veteran who is a former prisoner of war or
before a veteran who
.
(c) Applicability
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to veterans who are former prisoners of war before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.