U.S. Rep. Steve Womack Representing the 3rd District of Arkansas | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack Representing the 3rd District of Arkansas | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health reviewed Congressman Steve Womack’s bill, H.R. 1107, known as the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025. During the session, Congressman Womack emphasized the necessity of this legislation and advocated for its prompt approval.
In his prepared remarks, Womack addressed Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley, and other subcommittee members: “Thank you for considering my bill, H.R. 1107... I also want to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to speak in support of this legislation today."
The proposed bill seeks to ensure that veterans across various regions have continuous access to essential healthcare services. It addresses the limitations of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act from 2008 concerning telemedicine prescriptions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Womack highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary waivers were applied to bypass in-person consultation requirements for prescribing controlled substances under this act. The DEA and HHS extended these flexibilities until the end of this year.
“My bill... would make this exemption permanent for the VA,” he stated. This move would allow VA healthcare professionals to prescribe necessary controlled substances via telemedicine under specific conditions.
Womack stressed that without this exemption, veterans might face significant challenges accessing crucial healthcare services: “For veterans in urban areas... further straining an already overburdened VA healthcare system.” He noted that rural veterans face even greater obstacles due to geographic isolation and limited local healthcare providers.
“Continuing this exemption isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a necessity,” he concluded. “It ensures that every veteran... has equal access to the care they have earned and deserve.”
Congressman Steve Womack has served Arkansas’ Third Congressional District since 2011 and is part of the House Appropriations Committee.
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