A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

12/3/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 654

Bill 119 s 654, also known as the "Veterans Community Care Program Enhancement Act," aims to make improvements to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) scheduling system for veterans seeking care outside of VA facilities. The bill proposes the establishment of an external provider scheduling program to help the VA efficiently schedule appointments for veterans receiving care through the Veterans Community Care Program.

The main goal of this bill is to streamline the scheduling process for veterans seeking care from non-VA providers, ultimately improving access to timely and quality healthcare services. By implementing an external provider scheduling program, the VA can better coordinate appointments and ensure that veterans receive the care they need in a timely manner.

In addition to improving scheduling processes, the bill also includes provisions to enhance transparency and accountability within the VA. This includes requirements for the VA to report on the effectiveness of the external provider scheduling program and ensure that veterans are receiving high-quality care from non-VA providers. Overall, Bill 119 s 654 seeks to address the challenges veterans face in accessing care through the Veterans Community Care Program by implementing a more efficient scheduling system and promoting accountability within the VA. By making these improvements, the bill aims to better serve the healthcare needs of our nation's veterans.

Congressional Summary of S 654

This bill establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a national External Provider Scheduling Program to assist the VA in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The program must consist of technology that allows VA schedulers to view the schedules of health care providers participating in the VCCP in real time.

The VA must ensure the program reduces the time (1) from referral to the actual scheduling of appointments for care or services, and (2) for VA schedulers to schedule appointments for care or services.

The VA must also ensure the program is available to all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

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Current Status of Bill S 654

Bill S 654 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 20, 2025. Bill S 654 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 20, 2025. Bill S 654's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274. as of December 2, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 654

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 654

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 654

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.