Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Sep 2026): Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
What this bill does
The Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2026 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee a minimum number of "Vet Centers"—facilities that provide mental health and readjustment counseling to veterans—in every state. For states outside the contiguous U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories, the minimum would be the greater of one center or however many existed there as of January 1, 2020. For contiguous states, the minimum would be based on land area (one center per 30,000 square miles) or veteran population (one per 55,000 veterans), whichever number is larger. The Secretary would have one year after enactment to meet these thresholds, establishing new centers or, where multiple additional sites are needed, allowing some to be smaller "outstations" instead of full centers. States or tribes could provide facilities for these centers at no cost to the VA.
The bill primarily affects veterans seeking mental health services, particularly in rural or larger states and territories where Vet Center access may currently be limited. It also affects the VA, which would bear responsibility for expanding its network of centers to meet the new statutory minimums.
The bill was introduced on August 27, 2026, by Rep. Thomas Kean with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the House and Senate, followed by presidential signature, before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
7 Sep 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10160 do?
- The Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2026 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee a minimum number of "Vet Centers"—facilities that provide mental health and readjustment counseling to veterans—in every state. For states outside the contiguous U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories, the minimum would be the greater of one center or however many existed there as of January 1, 2020. For contiguous states, the minimum would be based on land area (one center per 30,000 square miles) or veteran population (one per 55,000 veterans), whichever number is larger. The Secretary would have one year after enactment to meet these thresholds, establishing new centers or, where multiple additional sites are needed, allowing some to be smaller "outstations" instead of full centers. States or tribes could provide facilities for these centers at no cost to the VA. The bill primarily affects veterans seeking mental health services, particularly in rural or larger states and territories where Vet Center access may currently be limited. It also affects the VA, which would bear responsibility for expanding its network of centers to meet the new statutory minimums. The bill was introduced on August 27, 2026, by Rep. Thomas Kean with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the House and Senate, followed by presidential signature, before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 10160 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10160. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10160?
- H.R. 10160 was sponsored by Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7] (R-NJ), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10160?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (7 Sep 2026).
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