Rep. Budzinski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Annual VA Mental Health Outreach for Veterans
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs reported this bill on May 3, 2026, which means it is now ready for a vote by the full House of Representatives. While the bill has successfully moved through the committee stage, it must wait for House leadership to schedule a floor vote to continue moving forward. This bill is actively moving through the legislative process.
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Veterans receiving disability compensation for service-connected mental health conditions would get a yearly mental health consultation and outreach about available services. This creates a proactive safety net that could catch worsening conditions early and connect veterans to care they may not know about. Importantly, the bill explicitly protects veterans from having these consultations used against them to reduce their disability ratings or compensation.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 550.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-634.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
The VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act would require the VA to offer annual consultations on mental health needs and care options to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill aims to ease the burden on veterans navigating the complex VA system.
The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health scheduled a legislative hearing for a discussion draft of the VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act. The bill focuses on proactive outreach and annual consultations for veterans with mental health diagnoses.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act
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