Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Legislation to Advance Research on Emerging PTSD Treatments for Veterans and Servicemembers

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is proud to introduce the Veterans and Servicemembers PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act, legislation designed to provide our nation’s veterans with increasing healthcare options.

The legislation, which directs the Pentagon to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment of emerging clinical research and service-related treatments for PTSD, is being hailed by healthcare providers and veterans’ groups alike.

“We appreciate Congressman Hamadeh and his team for this groundbreaking victory. His staff visited our Sonoran Research Institute Lab and saw firsthand what these FDA clinical trials mean for Veterans & First Responders, and what it could mean for transitioning servicemembers in the future,” stated Dr. Sue Sisley, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Scottsdale Research Institute. “This clinical trial exemplifies the promise behind President Trump’s recent Executive Order, Right to Try, and FDA Expanded Access: helping our nation’s heroes find new hope when existing treatments have failed them.”

Arizona is conducting the world’s first FDA-approved, DEA-approved clinical trial aimed at evaluating emerging clinical research on organic wholesale psilocybin- containing mushrooms in a structured group therapy setting for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. This trial seeks to determine whether this investigational treatment may offer new hope for individuals who have not responded to existing therapies. 

“Our servicemembers and veterans deserve every opportunity to access the most effective treatments backed by rigorous scientific research,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Far too many Americans continue to struggle with treatment-resistant PTSD, contributing to suicide, substance abuse, and challenges transitioning back to civilian life. This legislation ensures Congress and the Department of Defense have the data needed to evaluate emerging research and make informed decisions that prioritize military readiness, force health, and veteran care.”

PTSD affects thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and first responders. While current therapies help many patients, treatment-resistant PTSD remains a significant challenge, impacting force readiness, family stability, and long-term health outcomes.

This legislation builds on bipartisan momentum in Congress, with similar language unanimously included in the House Armed Services Committee report accompanying this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It also aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14401 directing federal agencies to accelerate research and regulatory pathways for investigational treatments for serious mental illness.