PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Jan 20, 2022
Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act or the EVEST Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to automatically enroll veterans who are eligible for VA health care into the VA health care system upon the receipt of information from the Defense Manpower Data Center of the Department of Defense that proves eligibility of such veterans for enrollment.
The VA must provide a veteran notice that the veteran has been enrolled, instructions on how the veteran may elect to opt out of such enrollment, and instructions for how such veteran may elect to enroll at a later date.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Notice or instructions must be provided in a physical copy and, as is practical, in an electronic copy. Additionally, the VA must consider using mass texting capabilities to provide the notice and relevant instructions required by this bill.
The provisions of the bill apply to veterans who are discharged or separated from the Armed Forces on or after the date that is 90 days before this bill's enactment.
Any veteran who is eligible for automatic enrollment must be able to access an electronic version of the certificate of eligibility and an electronic mechanism to opt out of such enrollment.
The Government Accountability Office must report on the best methods for the VA to provide notice regarding a veteran's automatic enrollment in the VA health care system and related instructions.
People & committees
Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 265 - 163 (Roll no. 14).
House roll call 14 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 265 - 163 (Roll no. 14).
House roll call 14 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 221 (Roll no. 13).
House roll call 13 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Mr. Bost moved to recommit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR H268)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 860, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Escobar amendment No. 3.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 860, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Mr. Takano amendment en bloc No. 1.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4673.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1836 and H.R. 4673. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 860. (consideration: CR H257-270)
Rule H. Res. 860 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 860 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1836 and H.R. 4673. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 160.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 117-223.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 117-223.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Discharged.
Subcommittee on Health Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.4673 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.4673 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.4673 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.4673 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.