House BillHR 1969Veterans' medical careHealth promotion and preventive care
No Wrong Door for Veterans Act
INTRO MAR 10· LAST ACTION MAY 22
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it directly tackles urgent issues affecting veterans, especially the persistent challenge of veteran suicide. By renewing and improving the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, it boosts local efforts to help veterans who might not otherwise connect with traditional VA services. The new "no wrong door" approach ensures that any veteran seeking help is quickly linked to urgent care, which is crucial for preventing suicides. If this bill passes, more at-risk veterans could get timely, life-saving support, potentially lowering the tragic rate of veteran suicides. If it doesn't pass, this vital grant program could face a lapse, and these new safeguards for urgent care might not be put in place, leaving a significant gap in support.
Furthermore, the bill's expansion of prosthetic coverage to include adaptive sports equipment acknowledges how important physical activity and recreation are for the recovery and health of veterans with limb loss. This change, while seemingly small, could greatly improve many veterans' quality of life by making expensive specialized equipment more accessible, helping them stay active and connected. If this change isn't made, veterans might continue to struggle to afford these specific devices. Lastly, extending the pension limitations provides consistency in how VA pensions are managed, which is important for veterans planning their long-term financial security.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program until September 30, 2026, and provides an additional $52.5 million in funding for fiscal year 2026.
This ensures the continued operation and financial support for community-based programs critical for preventing veteran suicide.
PROVISION 02
Requires grant-funded entities to inform veterans about their eligibility for urgent VA suicide care and mandates automatic eligibility if the VA doesn't provide care within 72 hours of referral.
This provision creates a critical safety net, ensuring rapid access to life-saving care for veterans in crisis and preventing delays.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that VA medical services include adaptive prostheses and devices for sports and recreational activities for veterans with limb loss.
This helps veterans with amputations access specialized equipment for physical activity, improving their rehabilitation and quality of life.
PROVISION 04
Requires all grant recipients to use the Columbia Protocol (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) for assessing suicide risk.
This standardizes and improves the accuracy of suicide risk assessments across all grant-funded programs, ensuring consistent and effective screening.
PROVISION 05
Extends the expiration date for certain limits on VA pension payments from November 30, 2031, to January 30, 2033.
This maintains existing rules regarding income and asset limitations for VA pension eligibility for an extended period.
This bill matters because it directly tackles urgent issues affecting veterans, especially the persistent challenge of veteran suicide. By renewing and improving the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, it boosts local efforts to help veterans who might not otherwise connect with traditional VA services. The new "no wrong door" approach ensures that any veteran seeking help is quickly linked to urgent care, which is crucial for preventing suicides. If this bill passes, more at-risk veterans could get timely, life-saving support, potentially lowering the tragic rate of veteran suicides. If it doesn't pass, this vital grant program could face a lapse, and these new safeguards for urgent care might not be put in place, leaving a significant gap in support.
Furthermore, the bill's expansion of prosthetic coverage to include adaptive sports equipment acknowledges how important physical activity and recreation are for the recovery and health of veterans with limb loss. This change, while seemingly small, could greatly improve many veterans' quality of life by making expensive specialized equipment more accessible, helping them stay active and connected. If this change isn't made, veterans might continue to struggle to afford these specific devices. Lastly, extending the pension limitations provides consistency in how VA pensions are managed, which is important for veterans planning their long-term financial security.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program until September 30, 2026, and provides an additional $52.5 million in funding for fiscal year 2026.
This ensures the continued operation and financial support for community-based programs critical for preventing veteran suicide.
high
Requires grant-funded entities to inform veterans about their eligibility for urgent VA suicide care and mandates automatic eligibility if the VA doesn't provide care within 72 hours of referral.
This provision creates a critical safety net, ensuring rapid access to life-saving care for veterans in crisis and preventing delays.
med
Clarifies that VA medical services include adaptive prostheses and devices for sports and recreational activities for veterans with limb loss.
This helps veterans with amputations access specialized equipment for physical activity, improving their rehabilitation and quality of life.
med
Requires all grant recipients to use the Columbia Protocol (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) for assessing suicide risk.
This standardizes and improves the accuracy of suicide risk assessments across all grant-funded programs, ensuring consistent and effective screening.
low
Extends the expiration date for certain limits on VA pension payments from November 30, 2031, to January 30, 2033.
This maintains existing rules regarding income and asset limitations for VA pension eligibility for an extended period.
Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
discretionary
fiscal years 2021 through 2025
$52,500,000
Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
discretionary
fiscal year 2026
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Reauthorize
To officially approve or extend the legal authority for a program or agency for an additional period of time, often with new funding or modifications.
Emergent suicide care
Urgent mental health services provided to individuals who are identified as being at high risk for suicide, needing immediate intervention.
Grant program
A government program that provides financial assistance (grants) to eligible organizations or individuals to carry out specific projects or services that align with the program's goals.
Adaptive prostheses
Specialized artificial body parts designed to help individuals with limb loss participate in specific activities like sports, often featuring unique materials or designs for performance.
Columbia Protocol (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
A standardized questionnaire used by healthcare professionals to assess a person's risk of suicide by asking specific questions about their thoughts, plans, and behaviors.
Fiscal year
A 12-month period that a government or company uses for budgeting and financial reporting, which may not align with the calendar year (e.g., the U.S. federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30).
ACTION TIMELINE
17 EVENTS
MAY 22, 25
Considered as unfinished business.
FLOOR
MAY 22, 25
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
FLOOR
MAY 22, 25
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
FLOOR
MAY 22, 25
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
