WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and David McCormick (R-PA) introduced the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would increase federally funded research on innovative therapies to treat Veterans experiencing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, and depression.

“When I came back from Iraq, I saw my fellow Marines, like so many other veterans, struggle to get the help they needed,” said Senator Gallego. “Our veterans sacrificed so much for this country. We owe it to them to explore every treatment that can help them heal, including therapeutic uses of psychedelics that may finally break through when others haven’t. I’m proud to lead this bill to help the VA study promising alternative therapies that can save lives.”

“Our veterans face disproportionately high rates of PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders due to combat exposure, trauma, and challenges that follow them home. Every day, 17 of them die by suicide. That must change,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act will ensure the VA keeps pace with the private sector by expanding access to cutting-edge treatments, like MDMA-assisted therapy, promoting ongoing research on veteran health outcomes, and closing gaps in treatment services for our veterans who need it most. We owe them nothing less than our very best.”

In December 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced funding for a study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder among Veterans. This is the first time the VA has funded research on psychedelics since the 1960s. The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act builds on this funding announcement by creating dedicated centers to study the therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances to treat a variety of conditions.

Specifically, the bill would:

  • Create at least 5 innovative therapies centers of excellence that would be designated by the VA.
  • Direct centers to conduct research on innovative therapies, including MDMA, ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin to treat anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, depression, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, and substance use disorder in Veterans.
  • Require the VA to submit a report on findings and recommendations to improve the delivery of innovative therapies to Veterans.

Read the full legislation HERE.