Bill > HR5635

This bill seeks to prohibit discrimination against transgender veterans in healthcare services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill would prevent the VA from discriminating against veterans on the basis of gender identity and require the department to provide medically necessary treatments for gender dysphoria, which are supported by major medical associations. The legislation comes in response to previous VA actions that were seen as discriminatory, such as rescinding a 2018 directive on healthcare for transgender and intersex veterans and phasing out gender dysphoria treatments. Under the proposed law, the VA would be explicitly prohibited from denying medical treatments prescribed by healthcare providers and must ensure that hospital care, medical services, and extended care services are provided without gender identity discrimination. Additionally, the bill requires the VA Secretary to provide quarterly briefings to Congressional Veterans' Affairs Committees about the healthcare services being provided to transgender veterans, ensuring transparency and accountability in implementation of these non-discrimination protections.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5635/all-info