Hinson Backs Bipartisan Bill to Fix Accessibility Issues, Gaps in Veterans' Mental Health Care

March 16, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in cosponsoring the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act. The bill would address longstanding accessibility issues and eliminate gaps in care for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.

"The transition from military service to civilian life can be one of the most difficult chapters for our servicemembers and it is crucial we not only provide support for the physical toll of service, but the mental toll as well. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to cut red tape and improve access to mental health care for veterans. I’ll continue working across the aisle to ensure our veterans receive the full scope of care they have earned.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

Background:

This bill would require the Departments of Defense-Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee (JEC) to review how well their programs help servicemembers access mental health care as they transition to civilian life. The review would:

Identify gaps in care and recommend improvements, with a report due to Congress within 180 days.
Require the government to update its health assessment for separating servicemembers every two years to ensure policymakers have timely and accurate data on veterans’ mental health needs.
As a result, this will cut down wait times and make it easier for veterans to get the help they need without red tape.

Rep. Hinson recently met with Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans, and the VFW to hear directly from veterans and ensure their priorities are reflected in her work in Congress. She will continue to work across the aisle to advance bipartisan solutions that support Iowa’s veterans and their families. Breakdown of some recent legislative efforts below:

Co-lead of the Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act of 2025 to make it easier for Vietnam-era veterans diagnosed with glioblastoma to qualify for VA disability benefits.
Cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act to allow certain veterans to receive both retirement and disability pay.
Cosponsor of the Providing Veterans Essential Medicines Act to ensure severely disabled veterans in state veterans homes can access high-cost medications.
Advocate for increased RANGE funding at the Department of Veterans Affairs to better support rural veterans on the House Appropriations Committee.
Cosponsoring the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvements Act to strengthen veterans’ health care, housing support, mental health access, and education opportunities.

The bipartisan Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act was originally introduced by Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03). The full bill text can be found here.

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