The GAMES Act (Gaining Meaningful Experiences from Service Act) is a short bill that would change how veterans become eligible for a certain military adaptive sports program. Specifically, it would remove a time limit that currently restricts eligibility to veterans within one year after their separation from service. By striking that time cap, the bill broadens access so that veterans may participate in the adaptive sports program at any time after separation, rather than only during the first year. The bill was introduced in the House on May 6, 2025, by Rep. Mast and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. In plain terms, this means veterans who want to participate in the military adaptive sports program could do so even long after they have left active duty, assuming they meet the other criteria for the program.
Key Points
- 1Title and purpose: The bill is named the GAMES Act (Gaining Meaningful Experiences from Service Act) and aims to expand eligibility for a specific military adaptive sports program.
- 2Legal change: It amends 10 U.S.C. § 2564a(a)(1)(B) by striking the phrase that limited eligibility to the one-year period after a veteran’s separation.
- 3Effect of change: The one-year post-separation eligibility window would be removed, allowing participation beyond that timeframe (subject to any other existing criteria).
- 4Scope: The change applies to “veterans” and to the named adaptive sports program referenced in the U.S. Code, rather than to active-duty personnel.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced in the House on May 6, 2025, by Rep. Mast and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.