Bills · HR 2201
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2201Employment and training programsHealth personnel
Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act
INTRO MAR 18· LAST ACTION MAY 20
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
5BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a critical and often difficult issue for many veterans: seeking benefits for conditions stemming from military sexual trauma (MST). MST survivors frequently face challenges when navigating the VA claims system, including the emotional burden of recounting traumatic experiences and the difficulty of proving a claim without adequate records.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more compassionate and effective claims process. Improved training for VA staff and contractors means veterans might encounter more understanding and appropriately skilled personnel, reducing the risk of re-traumatization during interactions. By requiring the VA to proactively obtain key service records, the bill could streamline the evidence-gathering process, potentially speeding up claims and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for survivors. Without this bill, the current training and record-gathering processes for MST claims might remain inconsistent, leaving veterans vulnerable to an already challenging and potentially re-traumatizing experience.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires annual sensitivity and claims processing training for all VA employees who handle military sexual trauma (MST) claims.
This ensures that all relevant VA staff are equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to treat MST survivors with respect and compassion.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that VA training for MST claims be tailored to an employee's experience and updated at least once annually.
This ensures the training remains relevant, effective, and continuously improves based on new insights and employee needs.
PROVISION 03
Expands the VA's 'duty to assist' for MST claims, requiring the VA to obtain a veteran's service personnel and medical records.
This provision aims to reduce the burden on veterans to gather complex military records, which can be a significant barrier to filing and proving MST claims.
PROVISION 04
Requires the VA to report on and improve sensitivity training for contracted healthcare professionals who conduct examinations for MST claims.
This addresses concerns about re-traumatization during medical exams conducted by external providers, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for veterans.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
54
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 80%
DEM 3 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
16 EVENTSMAY 20
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
MAY 19
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
MAY 19
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2130-2132)
MAY 19
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2201.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2201
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedMar 18, 2025
Last actionMay 20, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 18, 2025
House BillHR 2201Employment and training programsHealth personnel
Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act
INTRODUCED MAR 18, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 20, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
