Congressional Record, House, June 23, 2022 — STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, H.R. 6411
Summary
This House section of the Congressional Record for June 23, 2022 (H5845 and H5846) covers the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, the short title of the Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022. It opens with remarks supporting the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022. Levin of California moves to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the bill text follows. Subject to the availability of appropriations, the bill would have the Secretary hire an additional 50 full-time equivalent employees for Vet Centers and add an additional 250 paid trainee slots in covered mental health disciplines.
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Cite this document
“Congressional Record, House, June 23, 2022 — STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, H.R. 6411.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2022-06-23-crec-2022-06-23-pt1-pgh5845-6b89e53cfe/
, SHA-256 b9dc3b1c1c8ef5c205f7eb72485203003b3d233c48cbfe5fdec413432160d1d4.Full text
June 23, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5845
Today substance misuse targets our nation The Clerk read the title of the bill. Sec. 506. Expansion of suicide prevention
at a volatile rate. Specifically, when looking at The text of the bill is as follows: and mental health research.
our institutions of higher education our stu- H.R. 6411 Sec. 507. Study on mental health and suicide
prevention support for military
dents are much more susceptible to being vic- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- families.
tims of substance misuse. resentatives of the United States of America in Sec. 508. Research on brain health.
Common triggers for substance misuse in- Congress assembled, Sec. 509. Study on efficacy of clinical and
clude peer pressure, stress, social organiza- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. at-home resources for post-
tion, and mental health issues. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as traumatic stress disorder.
Currently the ‘‘Campus Prevention and Re- the ‘‘Support The Resiliency of Our Nation’s
TITLE I—TRAINING TO SUPPORT
covery Services for Students Act of 2022’’, Great Veterans Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘STRONG
VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH
seeks to ensure that our public institutions are Veterans Act of 2022’’.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- SEC. 101. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PRE-
using funding given to them to provide the tents for this Act is as follows: VENTION OUTREACH TO MINORITY
necessary outlets for recovery and re-entry VETERANS AND AMERICAN INDIAN
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. AND ALASKA NATIVE VETERANS.
into campus life.
TITLE I—TRAINING TO SUPPORT (a) STAFFING REQUIREMENT.—Beginning not
Solutions the original bill provides include
VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH later than 90 days after the date of the enact-
models for ‘‘prevention of the use of illicit
Sec. 101. Mental health and suicide preven- ment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
drugs and the abuse of alcohol’’ by students tion outreach to minority vet- Affairs shall ensure that each medical center
and staff through connecting them with cam- erans and American Indian and of the Department of Veterans Affairs has no
pus intervention, and rehabilitation resources. Alaska Native veterans. fewer than one full-time employee whose re-
As it stands the bill targets many of the nec- Sec. 102. Expansion of Vet Center workforce. sponsibility is serving as a minority veteran
essary areas it needs to promote rehabilitation Sec. 103. Expansion of mental health train- coordinator.
of substance abuse, but what it fails to do is ing for Department of Veterans (b) TRAINING.—Not later than 180 days after
provide the necessary funding allocations in Affairs. the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Sec. 104. Expansion of scholarships and loan Secretary, in consultation with the Indian
ongoing to ensure the longevity of keeping our
repayment programs for mental Health Service and the Director of the Office
students safe. health providers. of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of
Students who are struggling with substance
TITLE II—VETERANS CRISIS LINE the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall en-
misuse issues deserve to know that they are sure that all minority veteran coordinators
Sec. 201. Veterans Crisis Line.
receiving the best possible care that they can, receive training in delivery of mental health
and we can foster that by making sure that Subtitle A—Veterans Crisis Line Training
and suicide prevention services culturally
and Quality Management
our institutions of higher education have the appropriate for American Indian and Alaska
resources they desperately need to be able Sec. 211. Staff training. Native veterans, especially with respect to
Sec. 212. Quality review and management. the identified populations and tribes within
continue to serve their student populations. Sec. 213. Guidance for high-risk callers.
Through H.R. 6493 it will further push cam- the coordinators’ catchment areas.
Sec. 214. Oversight of training of social serv-
puses to ensure that they are working with or- (c) COORDINATION WITH SUICIDE PREVENTION
ice assistants and clarification
COORDINATORS.—Not later than 180 days after
ganizations both on and off campus. of job responsibilities.
the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Campuses will now be required to work with Subtitle B—Pilot Programs and Research on Secretary, in consultation with the Director
the Secretary of Education in conjunction with Veterans Crisis Line of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide
the Secretary of Health and Human Services Sec. 221. Pilot programs. Prevention, shall ensure that the suicide pre-
to ensure that each campus is using their Sec. 222. Authorization of appropriations for vention coordinator and minority veteran
funding for the highest quality of rehabilitation research on effectiveness and coordinator of each medical center of the De-
and re-entry services. opportunities for improvement partment have developed and disseminated
H.R. 6493 will grant $15 million to institu- of Veterans Crisis Line. to the director of the medical center a writ-
tions annually from to 2021–2028 to aid in Subtitle C—Transition of Crisis Line Number ten plan for conducting mental health and
Sec. 231. Feedback on transition of crisis suicide prevention outreach to all tribes and
funding public institutions’ recovery, rehabilita-
line number. urban Indian health organizations within the
tion, and re-entry programs. catchment area of the medical center. Each
I ask that my colleagues join me in support TITLE III—OUTREACH TO VETERANS
such plan shall include for each tribe covered
of H.R. 6493—the Campus Prevention and Sec. 301. Solid Start program of the Depart- by the plan—
Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022. ment of Veterans Affairs. (1) contact information for tribal leader-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sec. 302. Designation of Buddy Check Week ship and the tribal health facility or Indian
question is on the motion offered by by Secretary of Veterans Af- Health Service facility serving that tribe;
fairs. (2) a schedule for and list of outreach plans
the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sec. 303. Improvements to Veterans Justice
SCOTT) that the House suspend the (including addressing any barriers to access-
Outreach Program. ing Department mental health care);
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6493, as Sec. 304. Department of Veterans Affairs
(3) documentation of any conversation
amended. Governors Challenge Program.
with tribal leaders that may guide culturally
The question was taken. TITLE IV—MENTAL HEALTH CARE appropriate delivery of mental health care to
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the DELIVERY American Indian or Alaska Native veterans;
opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Sec. 401. Expansion of peer specialist sup- (4) documentation of any progress in incor-
in the affirmative, the ayes have it. port program of Department of porating traditional healing practices into
Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Madam Speak- Veterans Affairs. mental health and suicide prevention proto-
er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Sec. 402. Expansion of Vet Center services. cols and options available for veterans who
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Sec. 403. Eligibility for mental health serv- are members of such tribe; and
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution ices. (5) documentation of any coordination
Sec. 404. Mental health consultations. among the Department, the Indian Health
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- TITLE V—RESEARCH Service, urban Indian health organizations,
Sec. 501. Veterans integration to academic and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
ther proceedings on this motion are
leadership program of the De- Services Administration for the purpose of
postponed. improving suicide prevention efforts tailored
partment of Veterans Affairs.
f Sec. 502. Improvement of sleep disorder care to veterans who are members of such tribe
furnished by Department of and the provision of culturally competent
SUPPORT THE RESILIENCY OF
Veterans Affairs. mental health care to such veterans.
OUR NATION’S GREAT VETERANS (d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after
Sec. 503. Study on inpatient mental health
ACT OF 2022 and substance use care from the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Department of Veterans Af- shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’
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Speaker, I move to suspend the rules fairs. Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
and pass the bill (H.R. 6411) to amend Sec. 504. Study on treatment from Depart- Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa-
ment of Veterans Affairs for co- tives a report on outreach efforts to minor-
title 38, United States Code, to make
occurring mental health and ity veterans and American Indian and Alas-
certain improvements in the mental substance use disorders. ka Native veterans. Such report shall in-
health care provided by the Depart- Sec. 505. Study on workload of suicide pre- clude each of the following:
ment of Veterans Affairs, and for other vention teams of Department of (1) The number of minority veteran coordi-
purposes, as amended. Veterans Affairs. nators within the Department.
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H5846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2022
(2) The number and percentage of minority under the Department of Veterans Affairs SEC. 212. QUALITY REVIEW AND MANAGEMENT.
veteran coordinators who are women. Education Debt Reduction Program under (a) MONITORING OF CALLS ON VETERANS CRI-
(3) The number and percentage of minority subchapter VII of chapter 76 of title 38, SIS LINE.—
veteran coordinators who are persons of United States Code, to be used to recruit (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans
color. mental health professionals to the Depart- Affairs shall require that not fewer than two
(4) The number and percentage of Depart- ment of Veterans Affairs in disciplines that calls per month for each Veterans Crisis Line
ment medical centers with minority veteran include psychiatry, psychology, advanced call responder be subject to supervisory si-
coordinators. practice nursing (with a focus on mental lent monitoring, which is used to monitor
(5) The number and percentage of Depart- health or substance use disorder), and social the quality of conduct by such call responder
ment mental health providers who are en- work. during the call.
rolled members of a federally recognized In- (2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (2) BENCHMARKS.—The Secretary shall es-
dian tribe or self-identify as Native Amer- There is authorized to be appropriated to the tablish benchmarks for requirements and
ican. Secretary of Veterans Affairs $8,000,000 per performance of Veterans Crisis Line call re-
(6) The number and percentage of Depart- year to carry out the additional awards sponders on supervisory silent monitored
ment mental health providers who speak a under paragraph (1). calls.
second language. (c) OUTREACH.— (3) QUARTERLY REPORTS.—Not less fre-
(7) A review of the outreach plans devel- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year quently than quarterly, the Secretary shall
oped and submitted to all Department med- after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the Office of Mental Health and
ical centers for outreach to American Indian the Secretary shall develop a public aware- Suicide Prevention of the Department of
and Alaska Native veterans. ness campaign to encourage veterans and Veterans Affairs a report on occurrence and
(8) A review of mental health care provided mental health professionals to choose the outcomes of supervisory silent monitoring of
annually by the Department to American In- Department for their mental health career. calls on the Veterans Crisis Line.
dian and Alaska Native veterans for the past (2) ELEMENTS.—The campaign required (b) QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROCESSES FOR
three years, including number of appoint- under paragraph (1)— VETERANS CRISIS LINE.—Not later than one
ments, and an assessment of any barriers to (A) shall advertise the paid trainee, schol- year after the date of the enactment of this
providing this care. arship, and loan repayment opportunities of- Act, the leadership for the Veterans Crisis
SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF VET CENTER WORK- fered by the Department; and Line, in partnership with the Office of Men-
FORCE. (B) may highlight the new graduate med- tal Health and Suicide Prevention of the De-
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ical education residencies available at the partment and the National Center for Pa-
after the date of the enactment of this Act Department for medical students entering tient Safety of the Department, shall estab-
and subject to the availability of appropria- residency. lish quality management processes and ex-
tions, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall TITLE II—VETERANS CRISIS LINE pectations for staff of the Veterans Crisis
hire an additional 50 full-time equivalent Line, including with respect to reporting of
SEC. 201. VETERANS CRISIS LINE.
employees for Vet Centers to bolster the adverse events and close calls.
workforce of Vet Centers and to provide ex- In this title, the term ‘‘Veterans Crisis (c) ANNUAL COMMON CAUSE ANALYSIS FOR
panded mental health care to veterans, mem- Line’’ means the toll-free hotline for vet- CALLERS TO VETERANS CRISIS LINE WHO DIE
bers of the Armed Forces, and their families erans established under section 1720F(h) of BY SUICIDE.—
through outreach, community access points, title 38, United States Code. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than
outstations, and Vet Centers. Subtitle A—Veterans Crisis Line Training annually, the Secretary shall perform a com-
(b) VET CENTER DEFINED.—In this section, and Quality Management mon cause analysis for all identified callers
the term ‘‘Vet Center’’ has the meaning SEC. 211. STAFF TRAINING. to the Veterans Crisis Line that died by sui-
given that term in section 1712A(h) of title (a) REVIEW OF TRAINING FOR VETERANS CRI- cide during the one-year period preceding
38, United States Code. SIS LINE CALL RESPONDERS.— the conduct of the analysis before the caller
SEC. 103. EXPANSION OF MENTAL HEALTH TRAIN- received contact with emergency services
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans
ING FOR DEPARTMENT OF VET- and in which the Veterans Crisis Line was
ERANS AFFAIRS. Affairs shall enter into an agreement with
an organization outside the Department of the last point of contact.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than three (2) SUBMITTAL OF RESULTS.—The Secretary
years after the date of the enactment of this Veterans Affairs to review the training for
Veterans Crisis Line call responders on as- shall submit to the Office of Mental Health
Act and subject to the availability of appro- and Suicide Prevention of the Department
priations, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, sisting callers in crisis.
(2) COMPLETION OF REVIEW.—The review the results of each analysis conducted under
in collaboration with the Office of Mental paragraph (1).
Health and Suicide Prevention and the Office conducted under paragraph (1) shall be com-
pleted not later than one year after the date (3) APPLICATION OF THEMES OR LESSONS.—
of Academic Affiliations, shall add an addi- The Secretary shall apply any themes or les-
tional 250 paid trainee slots in covered men- of the enactment of this Act.
(3) ELEMENTS OF REVIEW.—The review con- sons learned under an analysis under para-
tal health disciplines to the workforce of the graph (1) to updating training and standards
Department of Veterans Affairs. ducted under paragraph (1) shall consist of a
review of the training provided by the De- of practice for staff of the Veterans Crisis
(b) COVERED MENTAL HEALTH DISCIPLINES
partment on subjects including risk assess- Line.
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered
ment, lethal means assessment, substance SEC. 213. GUIDANCE FOR HIGH-RISK CALLERS.
mental health disciplines’’ means psychi-
atry, psychology, advanced practice nursing use and overdose risk assessment, safety (a) DEVELOPMENT OF ENHANCED GUIDANCE
(with a focus on mental health or substance planning, referrals to care, supervisory con- AND PROCEDURES FOR RESPONSE TO CALLS RE-
use disorder), social work, licensed profes- sultation, and emergency dispatch. LATED TO SUBSTANCE USE AND OVERDOSE
sional mental health counseling, and mar- (4) UPDATE OF TRAINING.—If any defi- RISK.—Not later than one year after the date
riage and family therapy. ciencies in the training for Veterans Crisis of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
SEC. 104. EXPANSION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND Line call responders are found pursuant to of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with na-
LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR the review under paragraph (1), the Sec- tional experts within the Department of Vet-
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS. retary shall update such training and associ- erans Affairs on substance use disorder and
(a) EXPANSION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ated standards of practice to correct those overdose, shall—
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.—Beginning in aca- deficiencies not later than one year after the (1) develop enhanced guidance and proce-
demic year 2022, the Secretary of Veterans completion of the review. dures to respond to calls to the Veterans Cri-
Affairs shall include not fewer than an addi- (b) RETRAINING GUIDELINES FOR VETERANS sis Line related to substance use and over-
tional (as compared to academic year 2021) 50 CRISIS LINE CALL RESPONDERS.— dose risk;
awards per academic year under the Depart- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year (2) update training materials for staff of
ment of Veterans Affairs Health Professional after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Veterans Crisis Line in response to such
Scholarship Program under subchapter II of the Secretary shall develop guidelines on re- enhanced guidance and procedures; and
chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, for training and quality management for when a (3) update criteria for monitoring compli-
applicants otherwise eligible for such pro- Veterans Crisis Line call responder has an ance with such enhanced guidance and proce-
gram who are pursuing degrees or training in adverse event or when a quality review dures.
mental health disciplines, including ad- check by a supervisor of such a call re- (b) REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT OF STAND-
vanced practice nursing (with a focus on sponder denotes that the call responder ARDS FOR EMERGENCY DISPATCH.—
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mental health or substance use disorder), needs improvement. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year
psychology, and social work. (2) ELEMENTS OF GUIDELINES.—The guide- after the date of the enactment of this Act,
(b) EXPANSION OF EDUCATION DEBT REDUC- lines developed under paragraph (1) shall the Secretary shall—
TION PROGRAM.— specify the subjects and quantity of retrain- (A) review the current emergency dispatch
(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning in fiscal year ing recommended and how supervisors standard operating procedure of the Vet-
2022, the Secretary shall provide not fewer should implement increased use of silent erans Crisis Line to identify any additions to
than an additional (as compared to fiscal monitoring or other performance review such procedure to strengthen communica-
year 2021) 200 debt reduction awards per year mechanisms. tion regarding—
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June 23, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5847
(i) emergency dispatch for disconnected SEC. 222. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS ‘‘(E) prioritizing outreach to veterans who
callers; and FOR RESEARCH ON EFFECTIVENESS have accessed mental health resources prior
AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVE-
(ii) the role of social service assistants in to separation from the Armed Forces;
MENT OF VETERANS CRISIS LINE.
requesting emergency dispatch and record- ‘‘(F) providing women veterans with infor-
There is authorized to be appropriated to
ing such dispatches; and mation that is tailored to their specific
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal
(B) update such procedure to include the health care and benefit needs;
years 2022 and 2023, a total of $5,000,000 for
additions identified under subparagraph (A). ‘‘(G) as feasible, providing information on
the Mental Illness Research, Education, and
(2) TRAINING.—The Secretary shall ensure Clinical Centers of the Department of Vet- access to State and local resources, includ-
that all staff of the Veterans Crisis Line are erans Affairs to conduct research on the ef- ing Vet Centers and veterans service organi-
trained on all updates made under paragraph fectiveness of the Veterans Crisis Line and zations; and
(1)(B) to the emergency dispatch standard areas for improvement for the Veterans Cri- ‘‘(H) gathering and analyzing data assess-
operating procedure of the Veterans Crisis sis Line. ing the effectiveness of the Solid Start pro-
Line. gram.
Subtitle C—Transition of Crisis Line Number
‘‘(2) The Secretary, in coordination with
SEC. 214. OVERSIGHT OF TRAINING OF SOCIAL SEC. 231. FEEDBACK ON TRANSITION OF CRISIS
SERVICE ASSISTANTS AND CLARI-
the Secretary of Defense, may carry out the
LINE NUMBER.
FICATION OF JOB RESPONSIBIL- Solid Start program by—
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet-
ITIES. ‘‘(A) encouraging members of the Armed
erans Affairs shall solicit feedback from vet-
Forces who are transitioning to civilian life
Not later than one year after the date of erans service organizations on how to con-
to authorize alternate points of contact who
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of duct outreach to members of the Armed
can be reached should the member be un-
Veterans Affairs shall— Forces, veterans, their family members, and
other members of the military and veterans available during the first year following the
(1) establish oversight mechanisms to en- separation of the member from the Armed
community on the move to 988 as the new,
sure that social service assistants and super- Forces;
national three-digit suicide and mental
visory social service assistants working with ‘‘(B) following up missed phone calls with
health crisis hotline, which is expected to be
the Veterans Crisis Line are appropriately tailored mailings to ensure the veteran still
implemented by July 2022, to minimize con-
trained and implementing guidance of the fusion and ensure veterans are aware of their receives similar information; and
Department regarding the Veterans Crisis options for reaching the Veterans Crisis ‘‘(C) striving to reach out to veterans who
Line; and Line. separated prior to the initiation of the Solid
(2) refine standard operating procedures to (b) NONAPPLICATION OF FACA.—The Fed- Start program to provide similar services to
delineate roles and responsibilities for all eral Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) those veterans, as feasible.
levels of supervisory social service assistants shall not apply to any feedback solicited ‘‘(3) In this subsection:
working with the Veterans Crisis Line. under subsection (a). ‘‘(A) The term ‘Vet Center’ has the mean-
(c) VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION DE- ing given that term in section 1712A(h) of
Subtitle B—Pilot Programs and Research on FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘veterans this title.
Veterans Crisis Line service organization’’ means an organization ‘‘(B) The term ‘veterans service organiza-
SEC. 221. PILOT PROGRAMS. recognized by the Secretary for the represen- tion’ means an organization recognized by
tation of veterans under section 5902 of title the Secretary for the representation of vet-
(a) EXTENDED SAFETY PLANNING PILOT PRO- 38, United States Code. erans under section 5902 of this title.’’.
GRAM FOR VETERANS CRISIS LINE.— TITLE III—OUTREACH TO VETERANS (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 63
(1) IN GENERAL.—Commencing not later SEC. 301. SOLID START PROGRAM OF THE DE- of such title, as amended by subsection (a), is
than 180 days after the date of the enactment PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. further amended—
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 63 of title 38, (1) by inserting before section 6301 the fol-
shall carry out a pilot program to determine United States Code, is amended by adding at lowing:
whether a lengthier, templated safety plan the end the following new subchapter: ‘‘Subchapter I—Outreach Services Program’’;
used in clinical settings could be applied in ‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—OTHER OUTREACH
call centers for the Veterans Crisis Line. and
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES (2) in sections 6301, 6303, 6304, 6305, 6306, and
(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than two years
‘‘§ 6320. Solid Start program 6307, by striking ‘‘this chapter’’ each place it
after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall provide to Congress a ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall appears and inserting ‘‘this subchapter’’.
briefing on the findings of the Secretary carry out a program, to be known as the (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—The table of
under the pilot program conducted under ‘Solid Start program’, under which the Sec- sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of
paragraph (1), which shall include any rec- retary shall— such title is amended—
ommendations of the Secretary with respect ‘‘(1) build the capacity of the Department (1) by inserting before the item relating to
to the continuation or discontinuation of the to efficiently and effectively respond to the section 6301 the following new item:
pilot program. queries and needs of veterans who have re- ‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—OUTREACH SERVICES
cently separated from the Armed Forces; and PROGRAM’’;
(b) CRISIS LINE FACILITATION PILOT PRO- ‘‘(2) systemically integrate and coordinate
GRAM.—
and
efforts to assist veterans, including efforts—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Commencing not later
(2) by adding at the end the following new
‘‘(A) to proactively reach out to newly sep-
than one year after the date of the enact- items:
arated veterans to inform them of their eli-
ment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry gibility for programs of and benefits pro- ‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS
out a pilot program on the use of crisis line vided by the Department; and AND ACTIVITIES
facilitation to increase use of the Veterans ‘‘(B) to connect veterans in crisis to re- ‘‘6320. Solid Start program.’’.
Crisis Line among high-risk veterans. sources that address their immediate needs. SEC. 302. DESIGNATION OF BUDDY CHECK WEEK
(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than two years ‘‘(b) ACTIVITIES OF THE SOLID START PRO- BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AF-
after the date of the enactment of this Act, GRAM.—(1) The Secretary, in coordination FAIRS.
the Secretary shall provide to Congress a with the Secretary of Defense, shall carry (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet-
briefing on the findings of the Secretary out the Solid Start program of the Depart- erans Affairs shall designate one week each
under the pilot program under paragraph (1), ment by— year to organize outreach events and educate
including any recommendations of the Sec- ‘‘(A) collecting up-to-date contact informa- veterans on how to conduct peer wellness
retary with respect to the continuation or tion during transition classes or separation checks, which shall be known as ‘‘Buddy
discontinuation of the pilot program. counseling for all members of the Armed Check Week’’.
(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: Forces who are separating from the Armed (b) EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.—
(A) The term ‘‘crisis line facilitation’’, Forces, while explaining the existence and (1) IN GENERAL.—During Buddy Check
with respect to a high-risk veteran, means purpose of the Solid Start program; Week, the Secretary, in consultation with
the presentation by a therapist of ‘‘(B) calling each veteran, regardless of organizations that represent veterans, non-
psychoeducational information about the separation type or characterization of serv- profits that serve veterans, mental health
Veterans Crisis Line and a discussion of the ice, three times within the first year after experts, members of the Armed Forces, and
perceived barriers and facilitators to future separation of the veteran from the Armed such other entities and individuals as the
use of the Veterans Crisis Line for the vet- Forces; Secretary considers appropriate, shall col-
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eran, which culminates in the veteran call- ‘‘(C) providing information about the Solid laborate with organizations that represent
ing the Veterans Crisis Line with the thera- Start program on the website of the Depart- veterans to provide educational opportuni-
pist to provide firsthand experiences that ment and in materials of the Department, es- ties for veterans to learn how to conduct
may counter negative impressions of the pecially transition booklets and other re- peer wellness checks.
Veterans Crisis Line. sources; (2) TRAINING MATTERS.—As part of the edu-
(B) The term ‘‘high-risk veteran’’ means a ‘‘(D) ensuring calls are truly tailored to cational opportunities provided under para-
veteran receiving inpatient mental health the needs of each veteran’s unique situation graph (1), the Secretary shall provide the fol-
care following a suicidal crisis. by conducting quality assurance tests; lowing:
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H5848 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2022
(A) A script for veterans to use to conduct (2) may be conducted in person, virtually, through the use of a script or other reference
peer wellness checks that includes informa- or through other means, including by the materials).
tion on appropriate referrals to resources dissemination of informational materials (f) REPORTS ON IMPLEMENTATION.—
veterans might need. and contact information. (1) FIRST REPORT.—Not later than one year
(B) Online and in-person training, as appro- (b) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Secretary of after the date of the enactment of this Act,
priate, on how to conduct a peer wellness Veterans Affairs shall develop a strategic the Secretary shall submit to Congress a re-
check. plan for the Veterans Justice Outreach Pro- port on the following:
(C) Opportunities for members of organiza- gram. In developing such plan, the Secretary (A) An assessment of implementing sub-
tions that represent veterans to learn how to shall conduct— section (c), including—
train individuals to conduct peer wellness (1) an assessment of barriers to working (i) strategies to increase Veterans Justice
checks. with justice-involved veterans in rural, re- Outreach specialists responsible for sup-
(D) Training for veterans participating in mote, and underserved areas, including po- porting justice-involved veterans in rural,
Buddy Check Week on how to transfer a tential steps to address such barriers; and remote, or underserved areas; and
phone call directly to the Veterans Crisis (2) a workforce gap analysis for the Pro- (ii) the progress of the Secretary in ad-
Line. gram. dressing gaps in the workforce of the Vet-
(E) Resiliency training for veterans par- (c) INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VJO SPECIAL- erans Justice Outreach Program identified
ticipating in Buddy Check Week on handling ISTS.— pursuant to paragraph (2) of such subsection.
a veteran in crisis. (1) INCREASE.—The Secretary of Veterans (B) The performance goals and implemen-
(3) ONLINE MATERIALS.—All training mate- Affairs shall increase the number of Vet- tation plans established under subsection
rials provided under the educational oppor- erans Justice Outreach specialists respon- (d)(1).
tunities under paragraph (1) shall be made sible for supporting justice-involved veterans (2) SUBSEQUENT REPORT.—Not later than
publicly available on a website of the De- in rural, remote, or underserved areas, in- three years after the date on which the first
partment of Veterans Affairs. cluding areas located far from Department of report is submitted under paragraph (1), the
(c) OUTREACH.—The Secretary, in collabo- Veterans Affairs medical centers, as deter- Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
ration with organizations that represent vet- mined by the Secretary, through— on the progress of the Secretary in meeting
erans, may conduct outreach regarding edu- (A) the hiring of additional Veterans Jus- the performance goals and carrying out ac-
cational opportunities under subsection (b) tice Outreach specialists; tivities under the implementation plans es-
at— (B) the reallocation of existing Veterans tablished under subsection (d)(1).
(1) public events where many veterans are Justice Outreach specialists; or (g) REPORT ON VETERANS TREATMENT
expected to congregate; (C) such other means as may be determined COURTS.—Not later than one year after the
(2) meetings of organizations that rep- appropriate by the Secretary. date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
resent veterans; (2) DETERMINATION.—The Secretary shall retary, in consultation with the Attorney
(3) facilities of the Department; and determine the number of Veterans Justice General, shall submit to Congress a report
(4) such other locations as the Secretary, Outreach specialists required, and the loca- on the engagement of the Department of
in collaboration with organizations that rep- tions of such specialists, under paragraph (1) Veterans Affairs with veterans treatment
resent veterans, considers appropriate. by taking into account— courts, including—
(d) VETERANS CRISIS LINE PLAN.— (1) the availability and efficacy of veterans
(A) such number and locations needed to
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall en- treatment courts in meeting the needs of
achieve the mission and strategic goals of
sure that a plan exists for handling the po- justice-involved veterans;
the Veterans Justice Outreach Program;
tential increase in the number of calls into (2) best practices for Department of Vet-
(B) any gaps in the workforce of the Pro-
the Veterans Crisis Line that may occur dur- erans Affairs staff and justice-involved vet-
gram, including such gaps identified pursu-
ing Buddy Check Week. erans in working with veterans treatment
ant to subsection (b)(2); and
(2) SUBMITTAL OF PLAN.—The head of the courts; and
(C) strategies to address such gaps.
Veterans Crisis Line shall submit to the Sec- (3) the ability of justice-involved veterans
(3) USE OF TECHNOLOGY.—In carrying out
retary a plan for how to handle excess calls to access veterans treatment courts, includ-
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider
during Buddy Check Week, which may in- ing any barriers that exist to increasing such
the use of virtual technology.
clude the following: access.
(d) PERFORMANCE GOALS AND IMPLEMENTA-
(A) Additional hours for staff. (h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
TION PLANS.—
(B) The use of a backup call center. (1) The term ‘‘justice-involved veteran’’
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Vet-
(C) Any other plan to ensure that calls means a veteran with active, ongoing, or re-
erans Affairs shall establish performance
from veterans in crisis are being answered in cent contact with some component of a local
goals and implementation plans for—
a timely manner by an individual trained at criminal justice system.
(A) the Veterans Justice Outreach Pro-
the same level as a Veterans Crisis Line re- (2) The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Outreach
gram;
sponder. Program’’ means the program through which
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (B) Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists;
and the Department of Veterans Affairs identi-
(1) The term ‘‘organization that represents fies justice-involved veterans and provides
veterans’’ means an organization recognized (C) providing support for research regard-
ing justice-involved veterans. such veterans with access to Department
by the Secretary for the representation of services.
veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United (2) CONSISTENCY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN.—
The Secretary shall ensure that the perform- (3) The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Outreach
States Code. Specialist’’ means an employee of the De-
(2) The term ‘‘veteran’’ has the meaning ance goals and implementation plans under
paragraph (1) are consistent with the stra- partment of Veterans Affairs who serves as a
given that term in section 101 of such title. liaison between the Department and the
(3) The term ‘‘Veterans Crisis Line’’ means tegic plan under subsection (b) and include—
(A) qualitative and quantitative mile- local criminal justice system on behalf of a
the toll-free hotline for veterans provided by justice-involved veteran.
the Secretary under section 1720F(h) of such stones, measures, and metrics, and associ-
ated timelines for completion of the plans (4) The term ‘‘veterans treatment court’’
title. means a State or local court that is partici-
SEC. 303. IMPROVEMENTS TO VETERANS JUSTICE
under paragraph (1) and barriers to such
completion; pating in the veterans treatment court pro-
OUTREACH PROGRAM.
(B) an identification of relevant staff; and gram (as defined in section 2991(i)(1) of the
(a) OUTREACH REQUIREMENT.—The Sec- Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
retary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct out- (C) an estimate of resource needs and
sources. of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797aa(i)(1))).
reach regarding the Veterans Justice Out-
(3) PERFORMANCE DATA.—The Secretary SEC. 304. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
reach Program to justice-involved veterans,
shall establish a process to regularly collect GOVERNORS CHALLENGE PROGRAM.
military and veterans service organizations,
and relevant stakeholders in the criminal and analyze performance data to assess the The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
justice community, including officials from efficiency and effectiveness of implementing enter into agreements with States, terri-
local law enforcement, court, and jail sys- the plans under paragraph (1). tories, and American Indian and Alaska Na-
tems and others as determined appropriate (e) TRAINING REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary tive tribes for the development and imple-
by the Secretary. Such outreach— shall ensure that all Veterans Justice Out- mentation of veteran suicide prevention pro-
(1) shall be designed— reach Specialists receive training not less posals through the Governors Challenge Pro-
(A) to spread awareness and understanding frequently than annually on— gram.
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of the Program; (1) best practices for identifying and con- TITLE IV—MENTAL HEALTH CARE
(B) to spread awareness and understanding ducting outreach to justice-involved vet- DELIVERY
of veteran eligibility for the Program, in- erans and relevant stakeholders in the crimi- SEC. 401. EXPANSION OF PEER SPECIALIST SUP-
cluding the eligibility of veterans who were nal justice community; and PORT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT
discharged from service in the Armed Forces (2) veteran eligibility for the Veterans Jus- OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
under conditions other than honorable; and tice Outreach Program, including with re- (a) EXPANSION.—Section 506 of the VA MIS-
(C) to improve the identification of justice- spect to consistently communicating SION Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–182; 38
involved veterans; and changes regarding eligibility (including U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended—
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June 23, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5849
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) ‘‘(B) ELEMENTS.—Each report under sub- section 1712A(h)(6) of title 38, United States
through (f) as subsections (e) through (g); paragraph (A) shall include, with respect to Code, as added by subsection (a)); and
(2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the one-year period preceding the submission (2) the efforts of the Department of Vet-
the following new sentence: ‘‘Each such peer of the report, the following: erans Affairs to address such mental health
specialist shall be a full-time employee ‘‘(i) The findings and conclusions of the needs.
whose primary function is to serve as a peer Secretary with respect to the program. SEC. 403. ELIGIBILITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH
specialist and shall be in addition to all ‘‘(ii) An assessment of the benefits of the SERVICES.
other employees of such medical center.’’; program to veterans and family members of (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1712A(a)(1) of
(3) in the heading of subsection (b), by veterans. title 38, United States Code, as amended by
striking ‘‘TIMEFRAME’’ and inserting ‘‘INI- ‘‘(iii) An assessment of the effectiveness of section 402, is further amended—
TIAL TIMEFRAME’’; peer specialists in engaging under subsection (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii)—
(4) in subsection (c)— (f) with health care providers in the commu- (A) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘and’’;
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘SELEC- nity and veterans served by such providers. (B) in subclause (II), by striking the period
TION’’ and inserting ‘‘INITIAL SELECTION’’; ‘‘(iv) The name and location of each med- at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
and ical center where new peer specialists were (C) by adding at the end the following:
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘The Sec- hired. ‘‘(III) in the case of a veteran or member
retary shall’’ and inserting ‘‘In establishing ‘‘(v) The number of new peer specialists who died by suicide, to the degree that coun-
the program at initial locations, the Sec- hired at each medical center pursuant to this seling furnished to such individual is found
retary shall’’; section and the total number of peer special- to aid in coping with the effects of such sui-
(5) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- ists within the Department hired pursuant to cide.’’;
lowing new subsection: this section. (2) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II)—
‘‘(d) TIMEFRAME FOR EXPANSION OF PRO- ‘‘(vi) An assessment of any barriers con- (A) in item (aa), by striking ‘‘or’’;
GRAM; SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL LOCA- (B) in item (bb), by striking the period at
fronting the recruitment, training, or reten-
TIONS.— the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
tion of peer specialists.
‘‘(1) TIMEFRAME FOR EXPANSION.—The Sec- ‘‘(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than one (C) by adding at the end the following;
retary shall make permanent and expand the year after the Secretary determines that the ‘‘(cc) coping with the effects of a suicide
program to additional medical centers of the described in subclause (III) of such clause.’’;
program is being carried out at each medical
Department as follows: and
center of the Department, the Secretary
‘‘(A) As of the date of the enactment of the (3) in subparagraph (C)(vii)—
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’
STRONG Veterans Act of 2021, the Secretary (A) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘or’’ at the
Affairs of the House of Representatives and
shall make such program permanent at each end;
the Senate a report notifying such commit-
medical center participating in the program (B) in subclause (II), by striking the period
tees of such determination.’’.
on the day before such date of enactment. at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—
‘‘(B) During the seven-year period fol- (C) by adding at the end the following:
There is authorized to be appropriated to the
lowing such date of enactment, the Sec- ‘‘(III) veteran or member of the Armed
Department of Veterans Affairs to imple-
retary shall expand the program to an addi- Forces who died by suicide.’’.
ment section 506 of the VA MISSION Act of
tional 25 medical centers per year until the (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments
program is carried out at each medical cen- 2018 (Public Law 115–182; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note),
made by subsection (a) shall apply with re-
ter of the Department. as amended by subsection (a), the following
spect to family members of a member or vet-
‘‘(2) SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS.— amounts:
eran who died by suicide before, on, or after
In selecting medical centers for the expan- (1) $3,600,000 for fiscal year 2022.
the date of the enactment of this Act.
sion of the program under paragraph (1)(B), (2) $7,200,000 for fiscal year 2023.
SEC. 404. MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS.
until such time as each medical center of the (3) $10,800,000 for fiscal year 2024.
(a) MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS FOR
Department is participating in the program (4) $14,400,000 for fiscal year 2025.
VETERANS FILING FOR COMPENSATION.—
by establishing not fewer than two peer spe- (5) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter VI of chapter
cialists at the medical center, the Secretary (6) $21,600,000 for fiscal year 2027.
11 of title 38, United States Code, is amended
shall prioritize medical centers in the fol- (7) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
by adding at the end the following new sec-
lowing areas: SEC. 402. EXPANSION OF VET CENTER SERVICES.
tion:
‘‘(A) Rural areas and other areas that are (a) VETERANS AND MEMBERS USING EDU- ‘‘§ 1167. Mental health consultations
underserved by the Department. CATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.—Section
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days
‘‘(B) Areas that are not in close proximity 1712A of title 38, United States Code, is
after the date on which a veteran submits to
to an active duty military installation. amended—
the Secretary a claim for compensation
‘‘(C) Areas representing different geo- (1) by striking ‘‘clauses (i) through (vi)’’
under this chapter for a service-connected
graphic locations, such as census tracts es- both places it appears and inserting ‘‘clauses
disability relating to a mental health diag-
tablished by the Bureau of the Census.’’; (i) through (vii)’’; nosis, the Secretary shall offer the veteran a
(6) in subsection (e), as redesignated by (2) by striking ‘‘in clause (vii)’’ both places mental health consultation to assess the
paragraph (1)— it appears and inserting ‘‘in clause (viii)’’; mental health needs of, and care options for,
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘GENDER- (3) in subsection (a)(1)(C)— the veteran.
SPECIFIC SERVICES’’ and inserting ‘‘CONSIDER- (A) by redesignating clause (vii) as clause ‘‘(b) AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall—
ATIONS FOR HIRING PEER SPECIALISTS’’; (viii); and ‘‘(1) offer a veteran a consultation under
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), (B) by inserting after clause (vi) the fol- subsection (a) without regard to any pre-
by striking ‘‘location selected under sub- lowing new clause: vious denial or approval of a claim of that
section (c)’’ and inserting ‘‘medical center’’; ‘‘(vii) Any veteran or member of the Armed veteran for a service-connected disability re-
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ at Forces pursuing a course of education using lating to a mental health diagnosis; and
the end; and covered educational assistance benefits.’’; ‘‘(2) ensure that a veteran offered a mental
(D) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting and health consultation under subsection (a)
the following new paragraphs: (4) in subsection (h), by adding at the end may elect to receive such consultation dur-
‘‘(2) female peer specialists are hired and the following new paragraph: ing the one-year period beginning on the
made available to support female veterans ‘‘(6) The term ‘covered educational assist- date on which the consultation is offered or
who are treated at each medical center; and ance benefits’ means educational assistance during such longer period beginning on such
‘‘(3) to the extent practical, peer special- benefits provided pursuant to— date as the Secretary considers appropriate.
ists are hired in demographic percentages ‘‘(A) chapter 30, 31, 32, or 33 of this title; ‘‘(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—A consulta-
that reflect the racial and ethnic demo- ‘‘(B) chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10; tion provided to a veteran under this section
graphic percentages of the overall veterans ‘‘(C) section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery shall not be construed as a determination
population.’’; and Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 that any disability of such veteran is serv-
(7) by amending subsection (g), as redesig- (Public Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note); or ice-connected for the purposes of any benefit
nated by paragraph (1), to read as follows: ‘‘(D) section 8006 of the American Rescue under the laws administered by the Sec-
‘‘(g) REPORTS.— Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2; 38 U.S.C. retary.’’.
‘‘(1) PERIODIC REPORTS.— 3001 note prec.).’’. (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year (b) GAO REPORT.—Not later than one year sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of
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after the date of the enactment of the after the date of the enactment of this Act, such title is amended by adding at the end
STRONG Veterans Act of 2021, and annually the Comptroller General of the United States the following new item:
thereafter for five years, the Secretary shall shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ ‘‘1167. Mental health consultations.’’.
submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Af- Affairs of the House of Representatives and (b) MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS FOR
fairs of the House of Representatives and the the Senate a report assessing— VETERANS ENTERING HOMELESS PROGRAMS
Senate a report on the program, including (1) the mental health needs of veterans OFFICE PROGRAMS.—
the expansion of the program under sub- pursuing a course of education using covered (1) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter VII of chapter
section (d)(1). educational assistance benefits (as defined in 20 of title 38, United States Code, is amended
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H5850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2022
by adding at the end the following new sec- (2) The term ‘‘student veteran’’ means the (4) if there are diagnosis-specific or sex-
tion: following: specific barriers to accessing care under such
‘‘§ 2068. Mental health consultations (A) A veteran or member of the Armed programs; and
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two Forces using educational assistance under (5) the average wait time for a bed in such
weeks after the date on which a veteran de- any of the following provisions of law: a program, broken out by—
scribed in subsection (b) enters into a pro- (i) Chapter 30, 31, 32, or 33 of title 38, (A) Veterans Integrated Service Network;
gram administered by the Homeless Pro- United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of (B) rural or urban area;
grams Office of the Department, the Sec- title 10, United States Code. (C) sex; and
retary shall offer the veteran a mental (ii) Section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery (D) specialty (general program, substance
health consultation to assess the health Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 use disorder program, military sexual trau-
needs of, and care options for, the veteran. (Public Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note). ma program, etc.).
‘‘(b) VETERAN DESCRIBED.—A veteran de- (iii) Section 8006 of the American Rescue (b) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS
scribed in this subsection is a veteran to Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2; 38 U.S.C. TO TREATMENT PROGRAMS.—Using the results
whom a mental health consultation is not of- 3001 note prec.). from the study conducted under subsection
fered or provided through the case manage- (B) A veteran who is enrolled in an institu- (a), the Secretary shall make recommenda-
ment services of the program of the Home- tion of higher learning or other training pro- tions for—
less Programs Office into which the veteran gram, without regard to whether the veteran (1) new locations for opening facilities to
enters.’’. is using educational assistance specified in participate in the residential rehabilitation
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of subparagraph (A). treatment programs of the Department;
sections at the beginning of chapter 20 of SEC. 502. IMPROVEMENT OF SLEEP DISORDER
(2) facilities under such programs at which
such title is amended by adding at the end CARE FURNISHED BY DEPARTMENT new beds can be added; and
the following new item: OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (3) any additional specialty tracks to be
‘‘2068. Mental health consultations.’’. (a) IN GENERAL.—Pursuant to the analysis added to such programs, such as substance
conducted under subsection (b), the Sec- use disorder or military sexual trauma, in
TITLE V—RESEARCH order to meet veteran need and demand.
retary of Veterans Affairs shall take such ac-
SEC. 501. VETERANS INTEGRATION TO ACADEMIC (c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE DE-
tion as the Secretary considers appropriate
to improve the assessment and treatment of completion of the study under subsection (a),
PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
(a) REPORT.—Not later than one year after veterans with sleep disorders, including by
conducting in-home sleep studies for vet- on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to erans.
(b) ANALYSIS.—The Secretary shall conduct of Representatives a report on the findings of
the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the the study conducted under subsection (a) and
House of Representatives and the Senate a an analysis of the ability of the Department
of Veterans Affairs to treat sleep disorders the recommendations made by the Secretary
report on the Veterans Integration to Aca- under subsection (b).
demic Leadership program of the Depart- among veterans, including—
SEC. 504. STUDY ON TREATMENT FROM DEPART-
ment of Veterans Affairs. The report shall (1) assessment and treatment options for MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR
include the following: such disorders; CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH
(1) The number of medical centers of the (2) barriers to care for such disorders, such AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
Department, institutions of higher learning, as wait time, travel time, and lack of staff- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year
non-college degree programs, and student ing; after the date of the enactment of this Act,
veterans supported by the program, and rel- (3) the efficacy of the clinical practice the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall con-
evant trends since the program began. guidelines of the Department of Veterans Af- duct a study examining—
(2) The staff and resources allocated to the fairs and the Department of Defense for such (1) the availability of treatment programs
program, and relevant trends since the pro- disorders; and for veterans with co-occurring mental health
gram began. (4) the availability of and efficacy of the and substance use disorders (including both
(3) An assessment of the outcomes and ef- use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of inpatient and outpatient care);
fectiveness of the program in— cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. (2) any geographic disparities in access to
(A) supporting student veterans; (c) REPORT.—Not later than two years after such programs, such as for rural and remote
(B) connecting student veterans to needed the date of the enactment of this Act, the veterans; and
services of the Department or services pro- Secretary shall submit to the Committee on (3) the average wait times for care under
vided by non-Department entities; Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com- such programs.
(C) addressing the mental health needs of mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of (b) REPORT.—
student veterans; Representatives a report on— (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years
(D) lowering the suicide risk of student (1) the findings from the analysis con- after the date of the enactment of this Act,
veterans; and ducted under subsection (b); and the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
(E) helping student veterans achieve edu- (2) any actions taken under subsection (a) on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the
cational goals. to improve the assessment and treatment of Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House
(4) An assessment of barriers to expanding veterans with sleep disorders. of Representatives a report on the findings of
the program and how the Secretary intends (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR the study conducted under subsection (a).
to address such barriers. IN-HOME SLEEP STUDIES.—There is author- (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by
(5) An assessment of whether the program ized to be appropriated to the Secretary of paragraph (1) shall include—
should be expanded outside of the Office of Veterans Affairs $5,000,000 to be used to con- (A) any recommendations resulting from
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to duct in-home sleep studies for veterans, as the study conducted under subsection (a)
support students veterans with needs unre- part of sleep disorder assessment and treat- with respect to improving timeliness and
lated to mental health or suicide. ment conducted by the Department of Vet- quality of care and meeting treatment pref-
(b) UNIFORM BEST PRACTICES, GOALS, AND erans Affairs. erences for veterans with co-occurring men-
MEASURES.—The Secretary shall establish SEC. 503. STUDY ON INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH tal health and substance use disorders; and
best practices, goals, and measures for the AND SUBSTANCE USE CARE FROM (B) a description of any actions taken by
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF-
Veterans Integration to Academic Leader- the Secretary to improve care for such vet-
FAIRS.
ship program of the Department that are erans.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year
uniform among the medical centers of the SEC. 505. STUDY ON WORKLOAD OF SUICIDE PRE-
after the date of the enactment of this Act,
Department. VENTION TEAMS OF DEPARTMENT
(c) OUTREACH.—The Secretary shall con- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall com- OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
duct outreach among the Armed Forces, vet- plete the conduct of a study on access of vet- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet-
erans service organizations, institutions of erans to care under the residential rehabili- erans Affairs, acting through the Under Sec-
higher learning, and non-college degree pro- tation treatment programs of the Depart- retary for Health and the Office of Mental
grams with respect to the Veterans Integra- ment of Veterans Affairs to determine— Health and Suicide Prevention, shall conduct
tion to Academic Leadership program of the (1) if there are sufficient geographic offer- a study evaluating the workload of local sui-
Department. ings of inpatient mental health care, espe- cide prevention teams of the Department of
(d) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary shall as- cially for veterans in rural and remote com- Veterans Affairs.
sess the feasibility and advisability of in- munities; (b) ELEMENTS.—The study conducted under
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cluding the suicide rate for student veterans (2) if there are sufficient bed spaces at each subsection (a) shall—
in the National Veteran Suicide Prevention location, based on demand and drive time (1) identify the effects of the growth of the
Annual Report of the Office of Mental Health from the homes of veterans; suicide prevention program of the Depart-
and Suicide Prevention of the Department. (3) if there are any workforce-related ca- ment on the workload of suicide prevention
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: pacity limitations at each location, includ- teams;
(1) The term ‘‘institution of higher learn- ing if beds are unable to be used because (2) incorporate key practices for staffing
ing’’ has the meaning given that term in sec- there are not enough providers to care for model design in determining suicide preven-
tion 3452 of title 38, United States Code. additional patients; tion staffing needs; and
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June 23, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5851
(3) determine which facilities of the De- SEC. 509. STUDY ON EFFICACY OF CLINICAL AND 800–273–8255—and press 1 for responders
partment need increased suicide prevention AT-HOME RESOURCES FOR POST-
TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
with military and veteran expertise.
coordinator staffing to meet the needs of There is no reason to suffer alone.
veterans, with an emphasis placed on facili- Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Along with our colleagues in the Sen-
ties with high patient volume and facilities
located in States with high rates of veteran Veterans Affairs, acting through the Office ate, we have advanced bipartisan bills
suicide. of Research and Development of the Depart- over the past year that now make up
(c) REPORT.—Not later than one year after
ment of Veterans Affairs, shall conduct a the 22 sections of the STRONG Vet-
study on— erans Act.
the date of the enactment of this Act, the
(1) the efficacy of clinical and at-home re- I want to especially thank our col-
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
sources, such as mobile applications like leagues both on and off the committee
Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com-
COVID Coach, for providers, veterans, care-
mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of
givers, and family members to use for deal-
for their individual legislative con-
Representatives a report— tributions to this omnibus package.
ing with stressors;
(1) on the findings of the study conducted Congresswoman BROWNLEY, who
(2) the feasibility and advisability of devel-
under subsection (a); and chairs our Veterans’ Affairs Health
oping more such resources;
(2) indicating any changes made to the
(3) strategies for improving mental health Subcommittee, introduced what we
staffing of suicide prevention teams of the
Department resulting from the determina-
care and outcomes for veterans with post- consider a cornerstone of STRONG—
traumatic stress disorder; and her American Indian and Alaska Na-
tions made under subsection (b)(3), including
(4) best practices for helping family mem- tive Veterans Mental Health Act. This
a list of facilities of the Department where
bers of veterans deal with secondary post-
staffing was adjusted. provision mandates that VA hire full-
traumatic stress disorder or mental health
SEC. 506. EXPANSION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION concerns. time minority veteran coordinators at
AND MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH. every VA medical center to provide
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- culturally competent mental health
(a) RESEARCH ON MORAL INJURY.—The Sec-
ant to the rule, the gentleman from and suicide prevention outreach to our
retary of Veterans Affairs, acting through
the Office of Research and Development of California (Mr. LEVIN) and the gen- Tribal veterans.
the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each Congresswoman SLOTKIN’s Solid
conduct suicide prevention and mental will control 20 minutes. Start Act is included in STRONG and
health care improvement research on how The Chair recognizes the gentleman will ensure that VA continues to con-
moral injury relates to the mental health from California. tact and check in with veterans fol-
needs of veterans who served in the Armed GENERAL LEAVE
Forces after September 11, 2001, and best lowing their transition from Active
practices for mental health treatment for
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Duty during what we know is a very
such veterans. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that high-risk time for stress, mental
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— all Members may have 5 legislative health challenges, and even suicide.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the days in which to revise and extend The committee also was pleased to
Department of Veterans Affairs an addi- their remarks and to insert extraneous include the Veteran Peer Specialist
tional $10,000,000 to be used by the Center of material on H.R. 6411, as amended. Act from Congressman SCOTT PETERS.
Excellence for Suicide Prevention of the De- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there This is an important provision direct-
partment and the Rocky Mountain Mental objection to the request of the gen- ing VA to expand its peer specialist
Illness Research Education and Clinical Cen- tleman? program which is extremely popular
ter for purposes of conducting research on There was no objection.
the factors impacting veteran suicide and with veterans.
best practices for early intervention and sup-
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Although our colleague, former Con-
port. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I gressman Delgado, recently left the
may consume. House to become Lieutenant Governor
SEC. 507. STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUI-
CIDE PREVENTION SUPPORT FOR Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- of New York, I thank him for intro-
MILITARY FAMILIES. port of H.R. 6411, as amended, the Sup- ducing the REACH for Veterans Act in
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- port The Resilience of Our Nation’s the House. It is a critical component of
erans Affairs, in collaboration with the Sec- Great Veterans Act, or STRONG Vet- STRONG and will strengthen VA’s Vet-
retary of Defense, shall conduct a study on erans Act. erans Crisis Line.
secondary post-traumatic stress disorder and Chairman TAKANO introduced this Finally, Chairman TAKANO’s bill in
depression and its impact on spouses, chil- bill with Ranking Member BOST, and STRONG, the VA Governor’s Challenge
dren, and caregivers of members of the we are grateful to them and their staff Expansion Act, mandates, for the first
Armed Forces.
for working together over many time, VA-included Tribes in addition to
(b) REPORT.— months to bring this vital package to
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than three years
States in the successful Governors’
after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the House floor. This represents a true Challenge program to prevent veteran
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in collabo- bipartisan effort to address a pressing suicide. No sovereign nation should
ration with the Secretary of Defense, shall issue. have to wait to be invited to a State
submit to Congress, veterans service organi- Although we all were glad to see the Governor’s Challenge team. Instead,
zations, and military support organizations a veteran suicide rate drop in the last Tribes selected for the program will
report on the findings of the study conducted year for which we have data, one death work directly with VA to tailor inno-
under subsection (a). is one too many, and suicide is prevent- vative suicide prevention ideas to the
(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: able. We must honor our veterans’
(A) The term ‘‘military support organiza-
needs of their own Native veterans.
tion’’ has the meaning given that term by
service by getting them the care they Overall, STRONG will give VA im-
the Secretary of Defense. have earned and deserve now. portant new authorities and resources
(B) The term ‘‘veterans service organiza- Preventing veteran suicide and to support veterans’ mental health and
tion’’ means an organization recognized by strengthening veterans’ mental health well-being through increased training,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the rep- and well-being remains a top priority outreach, mental health care delivery,
resentation of veterans under section 5902 of not only of the Biden administration and research in line with the commit-
title 38, United States Code. and the Department of Veterans Af- tee’s public health approach and Presi-
SEC. 508. RESEARCH ON BRAIN HEALTH. fairs but also of our committee. There dent Biden’s strategy to address vet-
There is authorized to be appropriated to are prevention approaches and treat- eran suicide.
the Department of Veterans Affairs an addi- ments that work, and we must expand It addresses gaps along the spectrum
tional $5,000,000 for ongoing and future re- all veterans’ access to these lifesaving of prevention and care by expanding
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search at the Translational Research Center and life-improving services. mental health outreach to tradition-
of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Madam Speaker, while we are talk- ally underserved veterans, developing
traumatic brain injury and stress disorders
ing about access, I want to make sure and delivering the most effective treat-
to provide better understanding of, and im-
proved treatment options for, veterans who everyone listening today has the Vet- ments, better equipping VA’s work-
served in the Armed Forces after September erans Crisis Line phone number. If you force to provide care, and further
11, 2001, and who have traumatic brain injury or somebody you care about is in dis- strengthening VA’s crisis response sys-
or post-traumatic stress disorder. tress, call 1–800–273–TALK—that is 1– tem.
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H5852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2022
With this legislation, we will help VA grams for the VA mental health pro- Far too often, we see the tragedy of
better meet veterans where they are— viders. It would direct a series of ac- our selfless defenders losing their bat-
literally. STRONG directs VA to hire tions to improve the Veterans Crisis tle to mental health issues when re-
more mental health staff at vet centers Line, including enhanced training and turning from service. The intention of
close to where veterans live and work. oversight. It would codify an existing our provision is to aid more of our vet-
STRONG also directs VA to assess VA program that reaches out to vet- erans who are readjusting to civilian
and improve how well it serves vet- erans in their first year out of the mili- lives by providing them with overdue
erans on college campuses. It requires tary to provide them with information access to vital mental health re-
VA to more consistently and com- about relevant resources. sources.
prehensively reach out and provide This bill would require VA to con- This is especially personal to my dis-
mental health services to veterans who duct numerous studies with the goals trict, as I represent 89,000 veterans,
have been involved with the criminal of improving care for veterans with many of whom are or will be receiving
justice system. sleep disorders, refining inpatient care benefits via the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
STRONG mandates that as the new for veterans struggling with addiction, Regardless of which side of the aisle
three-digit crisis hotline number goes identifying treatments for veterans we sit on, we have an obligation to
live across the country in July, VA fur- suffering from both mental health and make sure that our counseling services
ther strengthen its Veterans Crisis substance use disorders, and assessing are more accessible for our veterans,
Line to meet the predicted surge in de- the possible secondary impacts PTSD and I am glad that the STRONG Act fo-
mand for emergency care and followup. and depression may have on veterans’ cuses on this obligation.
STRONG lays out important guid- families. My provision would expand coun-
ance for VA’s research program related This bill is the product of bipartisan, seling and mental health support to
to suicide, substance use challenges, bicameral negotiations between the student veterans through the VA’s re-
and other mental health issues. While Veterans Affairs’ Committee leaders. I adjustment counseling centers, also
caring for veterans today, VA must al- thank Chairman TAKANO for working known as Vet Centers. These centers
ways be investing in science and look- with me to introduce this bill and provide individual, group, marriage,
ing for tomorrow’s innovative solu- move it forward today. and family counseling, as well as peer
tions to improve veterans’ lives. I thank Senate colleagues Chairman support opportunities for Active-Duty
STRONG and its component bills are TESTER and Ranking Member MORAN servicemembers, veterans, members of
endorsed by too many veterans service for their work on this bill. the National Guard and Reserve, and
organizations and health organizations This bill contains many provisions
certain military family members. Vet
to list, but, Madam Speaker, let me that were in standalone bills intro-
Centers are community based, con-
leave you with these words from An- duced by many of our other Members,
fidential, and free.
drew Marshall, National Commander of and I recognize them today. I send a
A recent RAND study shows that 20
Disabled American Veterans, ‘‘There is particular thank-you to Dr. Murphy,
percent of veterans on the GI Bill face
simply no greater or more urgent chal- Congressman ROUZER, and to two of my
feelings of depression from PTSD. That
lenge within the veteran community fellow committee members, veterans
20 percent amounts to over 170,000 vet-
right now than addressing mental themselves, Dr. MILLER-MEEKS and
erans, double the number of veterans in
health concerns and ensuring our Na- Congressman ELLZEY. Each of them
spearheaded vital pieces of this legisla- my district.
tion’s heroes have access to the sup- Currently, the option of student vet-
port they need to both prevent and tion that will help veterans and their
erans using school psychologists, in ac-
mitigate crisis. families thrive for years to come.
I encourage any veteran listening to tuality, provides very little relief for
‘‘DAV is pleased to support the our veterans. The director of policy
STRONG Veterans Act, and we urge its this who is struggling and in need of
support to contact the veterans hotline and advocacy for the National Associa-
swift passage and signing into law.’’ tion of School Psychologists has re-
In closing, Madam Speaker, Chair- by calling 1–800–273–8825 and pressing 1.
Once again, that is 1–800–273–8825 and ported that the national ratio of school
man TAKANO and I support this impor- psychologists to students is anywhere
tant piece of legislation, and we urge pressing 1. Or you can also get there by
texting 838255. That is 838255. Or you from 1 to 2,000 to 1 to 5,000.
our colleagues to support H.R. 6411, as The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
amended. can actually visit the Veterans Crisis
Line at veteranscrisisline.net, all one time of the gentleman has expired.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield
ance of my time. word.
There is absolutely no shame in ask- an additional 2 minutes to the gen-
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield
ing for help if you need it. tleman from North Carolina (Mr. MUR-
myself such time as I may consume.
I urge my colleagues to join me in PHY).
Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup-
supporting this bill. Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. I
port of H.R. 6411, as amended, the Sup-
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- have heard personal stories from stu-
port The Resiliency of Our Nation’s
ance of my time. dent veterans who have had to wait
Great, STRONG, Veterans Act.
This bill would improve VA’s mental Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam weeks or even months for a mental
health and suicide prevention strate- Speaker, I have no further speakers, health appointment if their mental
gies by doing a number of things. It and I am prepared to close. I reserve health crisis was not deemed in need of
would expand the Vet Center work- the balance of my time. ‘‘immediate attention.’’ Unfortunately,
force, and it would also allow student Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 many of our veterans do not have the
veterans the opportunity to seek coun- minutes to the gentleman from North luxury of weeks or months to see a
seling at Vet Centers during what can Carolina (Mr. MURPHY), my good mental health provider.
be yet another stressful time in that friend. In addition, many of our universities’
period of transitioning into civilian Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. mental health counselors are actually
life. Madam Speaker, I rise today in enthu- not licensed professionals but, instead,
siastic support of H.R. 6411, the Sup- graduate or doctoral students. Our vet-
b 1315 port The Resiliency of Our Nation’s erans deserve better than this. They
Additionally, the bill would allow Great Veterans Act, commonly known deserve the best healthcare from quali-
family members of veterans who died as the STRONG Act. fied professionals.
by suicide to seek bereavement coun- I am proud that this legislation in- Helping students succeed in school
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seling at Vet Centers. This support, cludes language from my bill, H.R. and their civilian lives is one of the
from counselors who know veterans 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling most important ways we can thank
and the challenges that their families Centers Eligibility Act. I introduced them for their service.
often face, would be a valuable re- this bill alongside Ranking Member Tragically, the suicide rate among
source for those in mourning. BOST to aid veteran transition back to our veterans now is estimated to be
This bill would expand training, civilian life, especially for those look- anywhere from 17 to 22 suicides a day.
scholarship, and loan repayment pro- ing to further their education. Forty-six percent of military students
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June 23, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5853
have reported suicidal thoughts, com- Madam Speaker, I encourage all of The first electronic vote will be con-
pared with only 6 percent of their non- my colleagues to support this bill, and ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining
military peers. I yield back the balance of my time. electronic votes will be conducted as
If we can provide mental health serv- Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam 5-minute votes.
ices that are able to assist just a single Speaker, again, I ask all of my col-
f
veteran who is contemplating suicide leagues to join me in passing H.R. 6411,
to choose to live, I believe it is our as amended, and I yield back the bal- KEEP KIDS FED ACT OF 2022
sworn duty to do so. We have that op- ance of my time.
portunity now. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise
I am proud to support the STRONG ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
in support of H.R. 6411, known as the
Veterans Act, and I am very grateful to ished business is the vote on the mo-
STRONG Veterans Act of 2022.
Chairman TAKANO and Ranking Mem- tion to suspend the rules and pass the
As a senior member of the House Commit-
ber BOST for including my bill, the Stu- bill (S. 2089) to amend title 38, United
tees on Judiciary and Homeland Security, I
dent Veterans Counseling Center Eligi- States Code, to ensure that grants pro-
care deeply about our veterans.
bility Act. I urge my colleagues to vote vided by the Secretary of Veterans Af-
I offer my deepest gratitude to our Nation’s
‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 6411 in support of our fairs for State veterans’ cemeteries do
troops and reservists, their families, and the
Nation’s veterans. not restrict States from authorizing
21.6 million veterans, including 29,126 in the
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam the interment of certain deceased
18th Congressional District of Texas that I
Speaker, I reserve the balance of my members of the reserve components of
proudly represent.
time. In Congress, I have sponsored many legis- the Armed Forces in such cemeteries,
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 lative proposals and co-sponsored well over and for other purposes, as amended, on
minutes to the gentleman from North 50 pieces of legislation that will positively ben- which the yeas and nays were ordered.
Carolina (Mr. ROUZER). efit our veterans and their families. The Clerk read the title of the bill.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, after Veterans with mental health diagnoses have The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
hearing from my constituent whose a significantly elevated suicide risk. Suicide question is on the motion offered by
veteran spouse tragically died by sui- rates of veterans are at an all-time high, rising the gentleman from Virginia (Mr.
cide, and learning of the obstacles they 25 percent in 2021 over the previous year. SCOTT) that the House suspend the
faced when trying to receive critical Veterans continue to have a 50 percent higher rules and pass the bill, as amended.
mental health support for themselves risk of suicide than their peers who have not The vote was taken by electronic de-
and their children following his death, served. vice, and there were—yeas 376, nays 42,
I introduced a bill to ensure veteran More than 80 percent of post-9/11 veterans not voting 11, as follows:
families struggling from such a loss say that the public does not understand the [Roll No. 290]
have access to the support they need problems that veterans face when transitioning YEAS—376
and deserve. to civilian life. Adams Castro (TX) Fitzpatrick
My legislative language, included in Current resources to help the mental health Aderholt Chabot Fleischmann
this bill before us today, the STRONG Aguilar Cheney Fletcher
of our veterans are inadequate. Our veterans Allen Cherfilus- Flores
Veterans Act, expands Vet Center eligi- need our support when transitioning back to Allred McCormick Foster
bility for counseling and mental health civilian life. Amodei Chu Foxx
services to families of servicemembers The STRONG Veterans Act will: Armstrong Cicilline Frankel, Lois
Arrington Clark (MA) Fulcher
or veterans who died by suicide. This Open eligibility for more student veterans at Auchincloss Clarke (NY) Gallagher
expansion of services is necessary so Vet Centers; Axne Cleaver Gallego
that these families can receive the Expand culturally competent suicide preven- Babin Clyburn Garamendi
critical mental health support needed Bacon Cohen Garbarino
tion at VA for native veterans; Baird Cole Garcia (CA)
to help them heal and move forward. Significantly increase mental health staffing Balderson Comer Garcı́a (IL)
We all know that grief can be ex- and training at VA medical centers and Vet Barr Connolly Garcia (TX)
tremely isolating, and the families of Centers; Barragán Cooper Gibbs
servicemembers and veterans who have Bass Correa Gimenez
Further strengthen the Veterans Crisis Line; Beatty Costa Golden
died by suicide should not have to Allow more veterans to benefit from engag- Bentz Courtney Gomez
worry about enduring this difficult ing with peer specialists; and Bera Craig Gonzales, Tony
journey alone. Collect data for VA to guide expansion of in- Bergman Crawford Gonzalez (OH)
Beyer Crenshaw Gonzalez,
Our military families who support a patient mental health and substance use treat- Bice (OK) Crist Vicente
loved one who is serving, or has served, ment. Bilirakis Crow Gottheimer
make a tremendous sacrifice for our I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. Bishop (GA) Cuellar Granger
country, as well. We must ensure they Blumenauer Curtis Graves (LA)
6411. Blunt Rochester Davids (KS) Graves (MO)
have access to the care that they de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bonamici Davis, Danny K. Green (TN)
serve and the help that they need when question is on the motion offered by Bost Davis, Rodney Green, Al (TX)
trying to move forward after a suicide the gentleman from California (Mr. Bourdeaux Dean Griffith
Boyle, Brendan DeFazio Grijalva
has devastated them and their family. LEVIN) that the House suspend the F. DeGette Grothman
Madam Speaker, I thank the chair- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6411, as Brady DeLauro Guthrie
man and the ranking member for work- amended. Brown (MD) DelBene Harder (CA)
ing with me to include this very impor- Brown (OH) Demings Harshbarger
The question was taken; and (two- Brownley DeSaulnier Hartzler
tant piece of legislation in this pack- thirds being in the affirmative) the Buchanan DesJarlais Hayes
age, and I encourage my colleagues to rules were suspended and the bill, as Bucshon Deutch Herrell
support it. amended, was passed. Budd Diaz-Balart Herrera Beutler
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Burgess Dingell Higgins (NY)
A motion to reconsider was laid on Bush Doggett Hill
Speaker, I am prepared to close. I re- the table. Bustos Donalds Himes
serve the balance of my time. f Butterfield Doyle, Michael Hinson
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield Calvert F. Horsford
myself the balance of my time. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Cammack Duncan Houlahan
PRO TEMPORE Carbajal Dunn Hoyer
First off, I say thank you to all the Cárdenas Ellzey Hudson
people who have worked on this impor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Carey Emmer Huffman
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tant piece of legislation for the support ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Carl Escobar Huizenga
Carson Eshoo Issa
that it is has received. will resume on motions to suspend the Carter (GA) Espaillat Jackson
The important thing is that we get rules previously postponed. Votes will Carter (LA) Estes Jackson Lee
the care, treatment, and support for all be taken in the following order: Carter (TX) Evans Jacobs (CA)
the veterans who are considering sui- Cartwright Fallon Jacobs (NY)
S. 2089, Case Feenstra Jayapal
cide and the families who suffer from H.R. 5407, and Casten Ferguson Jeffries
the fact that they have done it. H.R. 6493. Castor (FL) Fischbach Johnson (GA)
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