Senate BillS 609Health personnelVeterans' medical care
BRAVE Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 18· LAST ACTION FEB 18
READING
18MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it tackles critical issues in veteran mental health, including the high rates of veteran suicide and challenges with accessing quality care. If passed, it could lead to more competitive salaries for VA mental health professionals, helping to fill vacant positions and reduce wait times for veterans needing support. Better coordination between VA medical facilities and Vet Centers could mean more cohesive and effective treatment plans, especially for those in crisis.
Without this bill, staffing shortages at Vet Centers might continue, coordination gaps between different VA services could persist, and programs for specific groups like women veterans might not be adequately tailored. By addressing these areas, the bill aims to ensure veterans receive the timely, effective, and culturally competent mental healthcare they need, potentially saving lives and improving overall well-being.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires a report on market pay for Readjustment Counseling Service (Vet Center) positions to identify pay disparities and staffing challenges.
This could lead to better pay for VA mental health staff, helping to recruit and retain qualified professionals to serve veterans.
PROVISION 02
Allows the VA to temporarily waive licensure or certification requirements for psychologists and licensed professional mental health counselors.
This provision could make it easier and faster for the VA to hire qualified mental health professionals, addressing staffing shortages.
PROVISION 03
Mandates a report on the coordination between the Veterans Health Administration and Vet Centers, especially for veterans at high risk for suicide.
Improved coordination can ensure veterans receive seamless and integrated mental health care, potentially preventing suicides.
PROVISION 04
Requires a study on the effectiveness of suicide prevention and mental health outreach programs for women veterans and modifications to the REACH VET program to include women veterans' risk factors.
This directly addresses the specific mental health needs of women veterans, ensuring programs are tailored and more effective for them.
PROVISION 05
Extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
This continues a vital program that provides grants to community organizations for veteran suicide prevention services.
This bill matters because it tackles critical issues in veteran mental health, including the high rates of veteran suicide and challenges with accessing quality care. If passed, it could lead to more competitive salaries for VA mental health professionals, helping to fill vacant positions and reduce wait times for veterans needing support. Better coordination between VA medical facilities and Vet Centers could mean more cohesive and effective treatment plans, especially for those in crisis.
Without this bill, staffing shortages at Vet Centers might continue, coordination gaps between different VA services could persist, and programs for specific groups like women veterans might not be adequately tailored. By addressing these areas, the bill aims to ensure veterans receive the timely, effective, and culturally competent mental healthcare they need, potentially saving lives and improving overall well-being.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires a report on market pay for Readjustment Counseling Service (Vet Center) positions to identify pay disparities and staffing challenges.
This could lead to better pay for VA mental health staff, helping to recruit and retain qualified professionals to serve veterans.
med
Allows the VA to temporarily waive licensure or certification requirements for psychologists and licensed professional mental health counselors.
This provision could make it easier and faster for the VA to hire qualified mental health professionals, addressing staffing shortages.
high
Mandates a report on the coordination between the Veterans Health Administration and Vet Centers, especially for veterans at high risk for suicide.
Improved coordination can ensure veterans receive seamless and integrated mental health care, potentially preventing suicides.
high
Requires a study on the effectiveness of suicide prevention and mental health outreach programs for women veterans and modifications to the REACH VET program to include women veterans' risk factors.
This directly addresses the specific mental health needs of women veterans, ensuring programs are tailored and more effective for them.
high
Extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
This continues a vital program that provides grants to community organizations for veteran suicide prevention services.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on market pay surveys for Readjustment Counseling Service positions.
60 days after enactment
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report regarding coordination between the clinical care system of the Veterans Health Administration and the Readjustment Counseling Service.
GLOSSARY
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Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS)
A program within the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides community-based counseling, outreach, and referral services to veterans through 'Vet Centers'.
Vet Center
Community-based facilities operated by the VA's Readjustment Counseling Service, offering free counseling and support to veterans and their families.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive healthcare to veterans through VA medical centers and clinics.
Comptroller General
The head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that provides audit, evaluation, and investigative services to Congress.
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)
Regional networks within the Veterans Health Administration that manage groups of VA medical centers and other facilities to deliver healthcare to veterans.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
A program designed to help service members transition from military to civilian life, offering information, resources, and training.
REACH VET program
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 18, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 18, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
A Department of Veterans Affairs program that uses predictive analytics to identify veterans at high risk of suicide, allowing for proactive outreach and intervention.
Under Secretary for Health
The senior medical official and principal advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters related to health care.
