Lawler Introduces Legislation to Expand Transportation Benefits for Veterans

Washington, D.C. - 9/16/25… Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act), legislation to ensure that veterans receive fair mileage reimbursement rates and expanded transportation support when traveling to and from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.

The HEAL Act would:

• Increase reimbursement for veterans' travel by tying the mileage rate to the federal GSA rate for privately owned vehicles.
• Eliminate deductibles currently required for veterans traveling for care.
• Authorize reimbursement for veterans' service organizations and local government agencies that provide transportation assistance.

"Thousands of veterans call the Hudson Valley 'home,' and I am committed to ensuring they have access to the care and services they've earned without red tape or financial hardship. The HEAL Act reflects a bipartisan effort to deliver results for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. This bill is about ensuring veterans aren't punished for living far from a VA facility and recognizing the incredible work done by veterans service organizations and local agencies that help get them there," said Congressman Lawler.

"The VFW supports the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts (HEAL) Act, which would ensure that no veteran has to choose between essential health care and the cost of transportation to access it. By modernizing transportation reimbursements and eliminating deductibles, this proposal recognizes that access to health care is a priority, and every mile matters for those who have served. The VFW appreciates Congressman Lawler introducing this important legislation and looks forward to having it passed into law," said VFW National Legislative Associate Director Meggan Coleman.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Full bill text can be found HERE.