Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Gene Murphy Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Gene Murphy Veterans' Bill of Rights Act of 2026. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to let veterans ask for a second opinion after receiving health care. When a veteran asks for this, the Secretary must give them a referral to another VA health care provider or to a non-Department provider in the community. This includes care under the Veterans Community Care Program. The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for all costs related to providing this second opinion.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The bill ensures veterans have the right to request a fully covered second opinion from another VA provider or a community provider.
- Scored +7
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The legislation directly empowers veterans by giving them the right to request a VA-funded second medical opinion and referral.
- Scored +6
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The legislation expands access to alternative medical opinions and care pathways both within and outside the VA system.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Right to a Second Opinion: Under Section 2(a), veterans who receive health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs are allowed to request a second opinion. This is a positive outcome because it gives veterans more control and options regarding their medical care.
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Flexible Referrals: Under Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(2), the Secretary must provide a referral to either another VA health care provider or a non-Department community provider, including through the Veterans Community Care Program. This helps veterans get another medical perspective inside or outside the VA system.
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No Cost to Veterans: Under Section 2(b), all costs for providing the second opinion are paid for by the Department. This ensures that veterans do not have to carry the financial burden of getting a second medical opinion.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill ensures veterans have the right to request a fully covered second opinion from another VA provider or a community provider. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The legislation expands access to alternative medical opinions and care pathways both within and outside the VA system.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The legislation directly empowers veterans by giving them the right to request a VA-funded second medical opinion and referral. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Older veterans who frequently utilize VA healthcare services benefit from the expanded right to a second medical opinion.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill grants veterans the right to a government-funded second medical opinion on care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate