On March 26, 2026, Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Reuben Gallego (D-AZ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced S.4220, the Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act. The legislation strengthens the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to evaluate and implement emerging therapies—including psychedelic therapies — for various mental and neurological health conditions.

 
The bill establishes a dedicated Office of Novel Therapeutics within VA to better align research, clinical operations, and workforce development. It also creates a Veteran Advisory Committee and directs VA coordination with other federal departments and agencies to support regulatory readiness and future reimbursement pathways. Collectively, these provisions position VA to move more efficiently from clinical research to real-world care.

 
Reason for Hope and the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition are proud to support the introduction of this legislation alongside many of our partner organizations. We look forward to continuing our work with Congress and VA to advance this system-level reform effort and ensure Veterans have timely access to safe, innovative treatments.