A bipartisan bill to create dedicated VA research centers for psychedelic-assisted therapies has just gained its eighth congressional sponsor.
Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) joined the list of co-sponsors for the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025 on May 5. She joins Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), and Lou Correa (D-CA), who is leading the legislation alongside Bergman. The bill was originally filed in early April.
If passed, the legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five research centers focused on studying psychedelic substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use disorder. These therapies would be evaluated for their effectiveness in treating mental and physical health conditions common among veterans.
The bill follows the VA’s recent announcement that it will begin funding a study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder—marking the agency’s first direct investment in psychedelic research since the 1960s.
The measure is supported by several major veterans groups, including the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Supporters say the bill is a critical next step to ensure veterans have access to alternative therapies that may be more effective than current treatments.
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