Congress·In Progress·H.R. 3863

Rep. Budzinski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Annual VA Mental Health Outreach for Veterans

VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act

8 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

The VA would be required to offer annual mental health consultations to veterans receiving disability compensation for a service-connected mental health condition. These check-ins would assess the veteran's mental health needs and discuss available treatment options.
The VA would also be required to conduct annual outreach to these veterans, informing them about the availability of consultations and other mental health services.
The bill includes a critical protection: these annual consultations cannot be used to reduce a veteran's disability rating or take away their compensation benefits. This addresses a common fear that seeking help might jeopardize financial support.
From policy text
“, or to require the reevaluation of any entitlement of the veteran to compensation under this chapter”
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be required to review the program within two years of enactment, reporting on how many veterans used the consultations, whether barriers exist, and what those barriers are.
From policy text
“Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the effect of the amendments made by this section.”
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The bill was introduced with bipartisan support by Rep. Budzinski and Rep. Edwards and has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
From policy text
“Ms. Budzinski (for herself and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs”
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VeteransHealthcare

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions

Jul 23, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Jul 23, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jun 10, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Jun 10, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles

RiverBender·9 months ago

Budzinski, Edwards Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Outreach to Veterans

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.

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Hart Health Strategies·9 months ago

Reconciliation Update – June 9, 2025

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.