Representative Mike Collins (R-GA10) has introduced the Veterans Opioid Records Transmission and Exchange (VORTEX) Act, legislation to protect America’s veterans from dangerous opioid overprescribing.
Rep. Collins is joined by House cosponsors, including Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX36), Jim Baird (R-IN04), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX08), August Pfluger (R-TX11), Hal Rogers (R-KY05), and newly elected Clay Fuller (R-GA14).
When commenting on this legislation, Rep. Collins called it ‘commonsense’ and expressed the need to prevent veterans from being left behind.
The VORTEX Act also represents a renewed commitment to protecting veterans and honoring their service to the country.
“Our Veterans put their lives on the line, and many carry heavy burdens from their service. They protected our lives and our freedoms during their time in service; it's our turn to protect them as their minds and bodies heal,” stated Rep. Collins.
“That is why I have introduced the VORTEX Act, this commonsense legislation requires VA and community care providers to communicate with one another and share the full opioid prescription history of a patient, so no one falls through the cracks of the medical system or is overprescribed dangerous medication,” he continued. “We cannot allow our Veterans to face their pain alone; we are with them every step of the way.”
The Bill's Functions
The primary goal of the VORTEX Act is to prevent dangerous overprescribing and ensure providers have access to a veteran’s full record across healthcare systems.
The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community care providers to share comprehensive, real-time opioid prescription histories.
As a matter of oversight, the bill goes further by addressing gaps where veterans may receive opioids from both VA and non-VA providers. The VA Office of Inspector General has highlighted this in particular as a high risk for overprescription.
Today, I introduced the VORTEX Act.
Our veterans protected our lives and freedoms during their service. Now it’s our turn to protect them as their minds and bodies heal. Tragically, we are losing 4,000–5,000 veterans each year to drug overdoses.
This legislation can change that… pic.twitter.com/FTGHlnFze1
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) May 7, 2026
