Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh of Arizona and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski of Illinois have introduced the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) Improvement Act of 2025, known as H.R. 3767. The bill aims to address staffing shortages within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by amending Section 7616 of Title 38 to enhance educational occupational programs.
The proposed legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs ensures HPSP participants receive full-time employment contracts with the VHA within 90 days after completing their courses. Additionally, it requires a hiring report to be sent to both Congressional chambers’ Committees on Veteran’s Affairs, identifying essential professions for VA facilities based on volume needs.
Congressman Hamadeh, a former Army Captain and Intelligence Officer, emphasized his commitment to veterans’ support through this bill. “As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I have had the opportunity to discuss the needs of our Veterans from some of the nation’s top experts,” he stated. He noted that identified shortages in medical officers and nurses lead to longer waiting times for urgent and emergency care, calling such situations unacceptable.
Congresswoman Budzinski highlighted the current inefficiencies faced by HPSP participants who experience delays in receiving contracts upon graduation. She expressed that “the bipartisan Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act would streamline the path for HSPS participants to start working full-time and make it easier for veterans to get the care they need.”
The Health Professional Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students in healthcare services disciplines, ensuring an adequate supply for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Mission Act of 2018 required at least 50 scholarships annually unless there are fewer than 500 shortages in VA dentists or physicians.
