WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – Congressman Tom Barrett (R-MI) led a successful effort in the U.S. House to pass a bipartisan bill, with the support of Congresswoman, Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), that would allow veterans to receive necessary medical equipment to travel safely in their vehicles.

The ASSIST Act.

The Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 (ASSIST) cleared the U.S. House floor after a unanimous vote on Monday. Currently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is restricted to funding a limited list of equipment. Under the ASSIST Act, the definition of medical services will expand to include additional medically necessary automobile adaptations.

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“We have a sacred obligation to ensure that our veterans have the support they need to thrive and enjoy the freedoms they fought for while serving our country in uniform,” Goodlander said in a press release. 

What are the adaptations?

Adaptations include ramp and kneeling systems, raised doors or lowered floors, raised roofs, air conditioning, mobility device lifts, ingress or egress accessibility modifications, wheelchair tiedowns, and adapted seating.

“The ASSIST Act is common-sense legislation that will cut the needless red tape that has prevented veterans from getting the medically-necessary equipment they need to travel safely,” Goodlander said.

Barrett’s track record.

The Assist Act is Barrett’s second bill to pass in the U.S. House this Congress. It will move on to the U.S. Senate for approval.

“During my 22 years in the United States Army, I was fortunate to return home without the need for assistive devices,” Barrett said in his testimony to the U.S. House. “But for too many who serve or have served that isn’t the case. Too many are returning home with wounds that can’t be healed, leaving them permanently disabled and in need of assistive technology.”

Barrett said veterans’ need for this technology not only negatively impacts their quality of life, but it can also cause barriers as they attempt to transition back to civilian life.

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“My bipartisan bill ensures that disabled veterans, with help from the Department of Veteran Affairs, are empowered to make the vehicle modifications they need to safely and efficiently travel,” Barrett said.