Congressman Hamadeh Takes Action to Increase Accountability of Program Dedicated to Addressing Veterans Health Administration Staffing Shortages
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-08) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) proudly introduced the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) Improvement Act of 2025 to alleviate the Veterans Health Administration staffing shortages.
This bill, H.R. 3767, amends Section 7616 of Title 38, to enhance the educational occupational program to address staffing shortages within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
This bipartisan legislation directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure HPSP participants receive a full-time employment contract with the VHA no later than 90 days after the completion of their course.
As part of Congressman Hamadeh’s effort to increase accountability, the bill also mandates that a hiring report is sent to the Committees on Veteran’s Affairs of both Congressional chambers, identifying the most essential professions. Employment will then take place according to the volume of those professional needs identified for VA facilities.
Congressman Hamadeh, a former Army Captain and Intelligence Officer, is dedicated to supporting Veterans, ensuring they receive the medical support they deserve. The introduction of this bill is a testament to that.
“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. This has allowed me to carefully craft legislation that targets areas of immediate and long-term concern. The Inspector General has identified shortages of medical officers and nurses, leading to longer waiting times for both urgent and emergency care. That situation must be remedied – it is unacceptable. This bill aims to ensure our Veterans get the care they have earned,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.
"VA’s Health Professional Scholarship Program supports students pursuing healthcare careers while connecting VA with talented staff, but there is room for improvement. As HPSP participants graduate – eager to begin careers at VA – they often face delays receiving a contract. With the Veterans Health Administration already experiencing staffing shortages, we need solutions to address this inefficiency. 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,” stated Congresswoman Budzinski.
Background:
The Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect health-care services discipline; and assists in providing an adequate supply of such personnel for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Mission Act of 2018 supplemented this program by requiring the VA Secretary to authorize at least 50 scholarships annually unless it is found that the shortage of VA dentists or physicians is less than 500.