Veterans (Veteran Mental Health) in United States

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 11, 2025

S 478: Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House May 14, 2026

HR 5999: To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment.

This bill (HR 5999) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide opioid antagonists (like naloxone) to enrolled veterans without needing a prescription or charging a copayment. It directly affects veterans receiving VA healthcare who may need emergency reversal of opioid overdoses. The key provisions mandate the VA to furnish these life-saving medications directly and eliminate both the prescription requirement and cost barrier. This policy change aims to improve immediate access to overdose reversal for veterans without requiring additional medical steps or financial burden.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House May 8, 2025

HR 2623: Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025

HR 2623, the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five specialized medical centers focused on treating veterans with specific conditions like PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders using innovative therapies. These centers must meet strict criteria, including academic partnerships with medical schools, research capabilities, veteran advisory committees, and data-sharing systems for evaluating treatment effectiveness. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for these centers' research and education activities and requires the VA to submit annual reports to Congress on their operations and findings. It directly affects veterans seeking advanced treatments for covered conditions through VA facilities and establishes a peer review process to select designated centers based on scientific merit.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

passed · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2025

SRES 322: A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day".

SRES 322 designates June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress, particularly among veterans and military personnel. The resolution supports efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense to educate about symptoms, treatment, and stigma reduction, while encouraging cultural change and appropriate care. This symbolic gesture has no legal effect or funding implications but aims to reduce stigma and promote mental health support for those affected.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Jan 15, 2025

HJRES 19: To acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam war and formally apologize for the treatment they received upon returning home.

This joint resolution recognizes the sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War and commends them for their sacrifice to the United States. The joint resolution also urges the President to formally acknowledge the widespread mistreatment of such veterans as part of the ongoing Vietnam War Commemoration and issue a formal apology to the veterans and their families. Additionally, the joint resolution expresses urgent support for increased education to better reflect the sacrifice and treatment of Vietnam veterans.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Mar 4, 2025

HR 683: Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025

Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to carry out all activities necessary to permit certain members of the Armed Forces to elect to enroll in the VA health care system on the date of separation of such members from active service. Specifically, the program is for those who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. The VA must, in conjunction with the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security, establish a mechanism to permit a member of the Armed Forces to elect to pre-enroll in the VA health care system during the 180-day period preceding the date of separation of the member from active service. The VA-DOD Joint Executive Committee must brief Congress on the efforts to implement such a mechanism under the program. The Government Accountability Office must report on the program and include recommendations with respect to methods to improve the program.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 3395: Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025

S 3395, the Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025, permanently expands telehealth mammography services for veterans by ending the previous pilot program restrictions. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide at least one mammography option - full-service, tele-screening, or mobile - in every state and Puerto Rico within two years. All programs must comply with accessibility standards for veterans with paralysis, spinal cord injuries, or other disabilities. This directly affects veterans needing breast cancer screenings, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility challenges.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Telehealth Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Nov 17, 2025

HR 5930: Veterans Transition Support Act of 2025

This bill expands outreach to service members transitioning out of the military through the Solid Start program. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Department of Defense to reach out to service members 120-210 days before separation, with priority for women veterans. Key provisions include calling each service member during this window to explain transitional health care options and provide contact information for disability claims assistance, plus collecting suicide prevention resources for crisis support. The law directly affects service members separating from the military by mandating structured pre-separation support.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 8, 2026

S 3601: Veterans in Campus Safety Act

The Veterans in Campus Safety Act would create a federal grant program for colleges and universities to hire veterans as campus security officers. The Secretary of Education would award competitive grants to institutions, requiring funds to be used solely for hiring veterans in campus security roles, as defined by federal law. The bill also includes a separate provision prohibiting federal funding for centers that provide equity assistance, such as those described in federal regulations. This legislation directly affects higher education institutions and veterans seeking campus security employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 3098: Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025

This bill (S 3098, Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish a public website listing conditions and veteran groups the VA is considering for "presumptive service connection" related to toxic exposure during military service. It mandates the VA to detail the decision process, current status of each condition/cohort, and how the public can submit comments. This directly affects veterans seeking disability benefits for health issues linked to military toxic exposure (like burn pits or Agent Orange). The VA must begin publishing this information within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

All veterans bills