Veterans (Veteran Mental Health) in United States

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 3286: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0

This bill modernizes the Veterans Affairs appeals process for benefit claims. It requires veterans to submit evidence within 90 days of a notice of disagreement (for both hearing and non-hearing cases), limits evidence considered beyond that timeframe, and adds flexibility for veterans to withdraw appeals or switch case tracking systems without losing progress. The bill also mandates clearer decision notices detailing issues, evidence considered, and reasons for denials, and requires the VA to create an integrated system for processing appeals across agencies. Finally, it establishes annual reports on appeal outcomes and directs third-party reviews to improve decision quality and reduce remands.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Nov 17, 2025

HR 5997: Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2025

HR 5997, the Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2025, increases annual funding for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing to $420 million starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill modifies several existing programs by removing outdated funding periods and specific subsections, streamlining administration of veteran services. It directly affects veterans with special needs who qualify for housing support under these amended programs. The key policy change is the guaranteed, multi-year funding increase for housing assistance programs, replacing previous time-limited allocations. This focuses on maintaining stable housing for vulnerable veteran families through sustained financial support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Homelessness Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Nov 6, 2025

S 3143: HOPE Act

S 3143 (HOPE Act) allows the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily permit certain veterans outside the United States to enter for medical care. It specifically targets veterans who were ordered removed or voluntarily departed the U.S. and need healthcare covered under the VA's Chapter 17 (38 U.S.C. § 1701-1730). The Secretary may grant case-by-case, temporary entry under specific conditions - requiring the veteran to be a qualified veteran seeking VA care and not subject to certain criminal exclusions (e.g., violent crimes with 5+ years imprisonment). Parole does not count as immigration admission, and veterans must return after receiving care. This bill directly affects eligible veterans outside the U.S. seeking VA healthcare access.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Dec 10, 2025

S 668: SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration to coordinate and improve falls prevention efforts for veterans. The Office will develop standards for falls prevention care, monitor implementation across VA facilities, and provide technical assistance to medical centers and home programs. The bill requires annual falls risk assessments by licensed therapists for veterans in nursing homes, mandates biennial staff training on safe patient handling, and creates a pilot program for home modifications to prevent falls. It also directs research on medication management as a fall risk factor and requires a report on current falls prevention initiatives within the VA. This legislation primarily affects veterans at risk of falls, particularly older veterans and those with mobility challenges.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Nov 10, 2025

HR 6017: Veterans Bill of Rights Act

The Veterans Bill of Rights Act (HR 6017) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide every veteran with a written "Bill of Rights" detailing 11 specific entitlements, including fair treatment, access to healthcare (with mental health services and Community Care options), privacy protections, and a 120-day target for resolving appeals. The VA must distribute this document in print and online, establish a complaint hotline and portal with a 30-day response time, and submit annual compliance reports to Congress. This bill directly affects all veterans interacting with VA services by clarifying their rights and the VA's obligations regarding benefits, healthcare, and communications. Implementation must occur within six months of the law's enactment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 4876: Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover abortion care, counseling, and related medication as part of standard hospital and medical services for eligible veterans and certain dependents. It amends VA healthcare law to explicitly include these services under existing coverage for veterans qualifying under section 1703 and dependents eligible under section 1781(a). The policy directly affects veterans and their dependents enrolled in VA healthcare programs by expanding covered benefits to include abortion-related care. This is a concrete policy change to VA healthcare benefits, not a broader abortion law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

passed · United States · Senate Jun 11, 2025

SRES 272: A resolution expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day".

SRES 272 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day." It directly supports veterans facing mental health challenges like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and anxiety, which are linked to higher suicide risks. The resolution encourages coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to promote this day alongside the existing National Get Outdoors Day. This is a non-binding recognition effort focused on connecting veterans with nature-based wellness opportunities.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate May 8, 2025

SRES 213: A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Fallen Heroes Memorial Month".

SRES 213 is a non-binding Senate resolution (submitted May 8, 2025) asking the President to designate May 2025 as "Fallen Heroes Memorial Month." It honors the over 1.3 million U.S. military members who died in service and urges Americans to reflect on their sacrifice. The resolution requests a presidential proclamation affirming national gratitude, calling for public remembrance and support for veteran service organizations. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes military sacrifices through a designated observance period. The measure was referred to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 2397: CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve coordination when veterans receive care from community providers. It directs the VA's Under Secretary for Health to develop guidance for VA medical centers on obtaining final medical documentation after community care referrals, set performance goals for this documentation, and mandate core training for community care providers. The bill also requires the VA to monitor provider training completion and ensure clear communication about training requirements. Finally, it mandates regular reports to Congress on implementation progress, starting 120 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Sep 10, 2025

SRES 382: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Ashli Babbitt is disqualified from eligibility for military funeral honors under section 985 of title 10, United States Code.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who died during the January 6 Capitol attack, is ineligible for military funeral honors under existing law (10 U.S.C. § 985). It states her actions on January 6 - attempting to breach the Capitol while armed - disqualify her, as such conduct brings discredit upon the military. The resolution does not change the law but rejects the Air Force's prior decision to grant her honors, emphasizing that military honors should honor those who defended the Constitution. It reaffirms support for Capitol police who protected the Capitol during the attack.

Topics ✗ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Mental Health

All veterans bills