Sponsors (2)
The bill improves access to DoD adaptive-sports for more veterans at no new cost to the federal budget, but risks straining existing program capacity and causing longer waits unless additional resources are provided.
Veterans with service-connected injuries can participate in the Department of Defense's adaptive sports program beyond the prior one-year post-separation limit, increasing rehabilitation, social reintegration, and access to adaptive-sport services.
The expansion is implemented using existing DoD program authority without creating new agency obligations or requiring additional funding, minimizing added federal budget or administrative burden.
Broadening eligibility may increase demand on DoD adaptive-sports resources, potentially reducing per-participant availability and causing longer wait times for veterans unless additional funding or capacity is provided; taxpayers could face indirect costs if resources must be reallocated.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced March 19, 2026 by James E. Banks · Last progress March 19, 2026
Removes the one-year time limit that had restricted veterans from using a military adaptive sports program only during the first year after leaving service. The change makes veterans eligible for that program regardless of how long ago they separated from the armed forces. The amendment only alters the eligibility window; it does not create new funding, add new requirements, change which agencies run the program, or set new deadlines. Administrative adjustments may be needed to apply the existing program rules to a larger pool of participants.