[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 165 (Wednesday, September 23, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H4763-H4770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION, ACCESS TO CARE, AND TREATMENT ACT OF 
                                  2020

  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 8247) to make certain improvements relating to the 
transition of individuals to services from the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, suicide prevention for veterans, and care and services for 
women veterans, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 8247

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
     Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act 
     of 2020'' or the ``Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

  TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM 
                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Sec. 101. Pilot program on information sharing between Department of 
              Veterans Affairs and designated relatives and friends of 
              veterans regarding assistance and benefits available to 
              the veterans.
Sec. 102. Annual report on Solid Start program of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.

[[Page H4764]]

                      TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

Sec. 201. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of emergent suicide 
              care.
Sec. 202. Education program for family members and caregivers of 
              veterans with mental health disorders.
Sec. 203. Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans.
Sec. 204. Contact of certain veterans to encourage receipt of 
              comprehensive medical examinations.
Sec. 205. Police crisis intervention training of Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.

     TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

Sec. 301. Gap analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs programs that 
              provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless.
Sec. 302. Report on locations where women veterans are using health 
              care from Department of Veterans Affairs.

  TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM 
                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

     SEC. 101. PILOT PROGRAM ON INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DESIGNATED 
                   RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF VETERANS REGARDING 
                   ASSISTANCE AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall commence carrying out a pilot program--
       (A) to encourage members of the Armed Forces who are 
     transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian 
     life, before separating from such service, to designate up to 
     10 persons to whom information regarding the assistance and 
     benefits available to the veterans under laws administered by 
     the Secretary shall be disseminated using the contact 
     information obtained under paragraph (7); and
       (B) provides such persons, within 30 days after the date on 
     which such persons are designated under subparagraph (A), the 
     option to elect to receive such information.
       (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program during a period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the pilot program that is not less than two 
     years.
       (3) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate 
     information described in paragraph (1)(A) under the pilot 
     program no less than quarterly.
       (4) Types of information.--The types of information to be 
     disseminated under the pilot program to persons who elect to 
     receive such information shall include information regarding 
     the following:
       (A) Services and benefits offered to veterans and their 
     family members by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (B) Challenges and stresses that might accompany 
     transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian 
     life.
       (C) Services available to veterans and their family members 
     to cope with the experiences and challenges of service in the 
     Armed Forces and transition from such service to civilian 
     life.
       (D) Services available through community partner 
     organizations to support veterans and their family members.
       (E) Services available through Federal, State, and local 
     government agencies to support veterans and their family 
     members.
       (F) The environmental health registry program, health and 
     wellness programs, and resources for preventing and managing 
     diseases and illnesses.
       (G) A toll-free telephone number through which such persons 
     who elect to receive information under the pilot program may 
     request information regarding the program.
       (H) Such other matters as the Secretary, in consultation 
     with members of the Armed Forces and such persons who elect 
     to receive information under the pilot program, determines to 
     be appropriate.
       (5) Privacy of information.--In carrying out the pilot 
     program, the Secretary may not disseminate information under 
     paragraph (4) in violation of laws and regulations pertaining 
     to the privacy of members of the Armed Forces, including 
     requirements pursuant to--
       (A) section 552a of title 5, United States Code; and
       (B) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
     of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).
       (6) Notice and modifications.--In carrying out the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a veteran--
       (A) ensure that such veteran is notified of the ability to 
     modify designations made by such veteran under paragraph 
     (1)(A); and
       (B) upon the request of a veteran, authorize such veteran 
     to modify such designations at any time.
       (7) Contact information.--In making a designation under the 
     pilot program, a veteran shall provide necessary contact 
     information, specifically including an email address, to 
     facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the 
     assistance and benefits available to the veteran under laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       (8) Opt-in and opt-out of pilot program.--
       (A) Opt-in by members.--A veteran may participate in the 
     pilot program only if the veteran voluntarily elects to 
     participate in the program. A veteran seeking to make such an 
     election shall make such election in a manner, and by 
     including such information, as the Secretary shall specify 
     for purposes of the pilot program.
       (B) Opt-in by designated recipients.--A person designated 
     pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may receive information under 
     the pilot program only if the person makes the election 
     described in paragraph (1)(B).
       (C) Opt-out.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
     Secretary shall, with respect to a person who has elected to 
     receive information under such pilot program, cease 
     disseminating such information to that person upon request of 
     such person.
       (b) Survey and Report on Pilot Program.--
       (1) Survey.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of the pilot program and not less frequently 
     than once each year thereafter for the duration of the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall administer a survey to persons 
     who ever elected to receive information under the pilot 
     program for the purpose of receiving feedback regarding the 
     quality of information disseminated under this section.
       (B) Elements.--Each survey conducted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include solicitation of the following:
       (i) Feedback on the following:

       (I) The nature of information disseminated under the pilot 
     program.
       (II) Satisfaction with the pilot program.
       (III) The utility of the pilot program.
       (IV) Overall pilot program successes and challenges.

       (ii) Recommendations for improving the pilot program.
       (iii) Reasons for opting in or out of the pilot program.
       (iv) Such other feedback or matters as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       (2) Report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than three years after the date 
     on which the pilot program commences, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a final report on the pilot 
     program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The results of the survey administered under paragraph 
     (1).
       (ii) The number of participants enrolled in the pilot 
     program who are veterans.
       (iii) The number of persons designated under subsection 
     (a)(1)(A).
       (iv) The number of such persons who opted in or out of the 
     pilot program under subsection (a)(8).
       (v) The average period such persons remained in the pilot 
     program.
       (vi) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
     making the pilot program permanent.
       (vii) Identification of legislative or administrative 
     action that may be necessary if the pilot program is made 
     permanent.
       (viii) A plan to expand the pilot program if the pilot 
     program is made permanent.
       (ix) If the Secretary finds under clause (vi) that making 
     the pilot program permanent is not feasible or advisable, a 
     justification for such finding.

     SEC. 102. ANNUAL REPORT ON SOLID START PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
     for a period of five years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Solid 
     Start program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) With respect to each veteran called or emailed under 
     the Solid Start program:
       (A) The Armed Force in which the veteran served.
       (B) Age.
       (C) Gender.
       (D) Whether the veteran responded to the call or email.
       (E) Whether the call or email resulted in a call to the 
     Veterans Crisis Line established pursuant to section 1720F(h) 
     of title 38, United States Code.
       (F) Whether the call or email resulted in a referral to--
       (i) compensation and pension determination;
       (ii) enrollment in the patient enrollment system of the 
     Department; or
       (iii) any other program or benefit under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       (2) Any change to the Solid Start program implemented by 
     the Secretary since the date of the previous such report.
       (c) Prohibition on Personally Identifiable Information.--No 
     report under subsection (a) may contain any personally 
     identifiable information regarding a veteran.

                      TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

     SEC. 201. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF 
                   EMERGENT SUICIDE CARE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 1720J. Emergent suicide care

       ``(a) Emergent Suicide Care.--Pursuant to this section, the 
     Secretary shall--

[[Page H4765]]

       ``(1) furnish emergent suicide care to an eligible 
     individual at a medical facility of the Department;
       ``(2) pay for emergent suicide care provided to an eligible 
     individual at a non-Department facility; and
       ``(3) reimburse an eligible individual for emergent suicide 
     care provided to the eligible individual at a non-Department 
     facility.
       ``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible for emergent 
     suicide care under subsection (a) if the individual is in an 
     acute suicidal crisis and is either of the following:
       ``(1) A veteran (as defined in section 101).
       ``(2) An individual described in section 1720I(b) of this 
     title.
       ``(c) Period of Care.--(1) Emergent suicide care provided 
     under subsection (a) shall be furnished to an eligible 
     individual--
       ``(A) through inpatient or crisis residential care, for a 
     period not to exceed 30 days; or
       ``(B) if care under subparagraph (A) is unavailable, or if 
     such care is not clinically appropriate, as outpatient care 
     for a period not to exceed 90 days.
       ``(2) If, upon the expiration of a period under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary determines that the eligible individual 
     remains in an acute suicidal crisis, the Secretary may extend 
     such period as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(d) Notification.--An eligible individual who receives 
     emergent suicide care under subsection (a) at a non-
     Department facility (or a person acting on behalf of the 
     individual) shall notify the Secretary of such care within 
     seven days of admission to such facility.
       ``(e) Outreach.--During any period when an eligible 
     individual is receiving emergent suicide care under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) ensure that--
       ``(A) in the case of an eligible individual whom the 
     Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek emergent suicide care 
     at a medical facility of the Department, the Veterans Crisis 
     Line notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator of such 
     medical facility;
       ``(B) in the case of an eligible individual who presents at 
     a medical facility of the Department in an acute suicidal 
     crisis without a recommendation by the Veterans Crisis Line, 
     the Secretary notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator;
       ``(C) in the case of an eligible individual whom the 
     Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek treatment at a non-
     Department facility, the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the 
     Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Office of Community 
     Care at the medical facility of the Department located 
     nearest to the eligible individual; and
       ``(D) in the case of an eligible individual who presents at 
     a non-Department facility in an acute suicidal crisis without 
     a recommendation by the Veterans Crisis Line and for whom the 
     Secretary receives a notification under subsection (d), the 
     Secretary notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the 
     Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the 
     Department located nearest to the eligible individual;
       ``(2) determine the eligibility of the eligible individual 
     for other programs and benefits under the laws administered 
     by the Secretary (or shall make such determination as soon as 
     practicable following the period of such emergent suicide 
     care); and
       ``(3) make referrals for care following the period of such 
     emergent suicide care, as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(f) Prohibition on Charge.--(1) If the Secretary provides 
     emergent suicide care to an eligible individual under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary--
       ``(A) may not charge the eligible individual for any cost 
     of such emergent suicide care; and
       ``(B) shall pay for any costs of emergency transportation 
     to a facility for such emergent suicide care (as such costs 
     are determined pursuant to section 1725 of this title, to the 
     extent practicable).
       ``(2)(A) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), 
     if the Secretary pays for emergent suicide care provided 
     under subsection (a) to an eligible individual at a non-
     Department facility, the Secretary shall reimburse the 
     facility for the reasonable value of such emergent suicide 
     care.
       ``(B)(i) In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
     may determine the amount to reimburse a non-Department 
     facility in a similar manner to the manner in which the 
     Secretary determines reimbursement amounts for that non-
     Department facility for medical care and services provided 
     under another provision of this chapter.
       ``(ii) The requirements of section 1725(c)(3) of this title 
     shall apply with respect to payments made under subparagraph 
     (A) of this paragraph.
       ``(3) In the case of an eligible individual who receives 
     emergent suicide care under this section and who is entitled 
     to emergent suicide care (or payment for emergent suicide 
     care) under a health-plan contract, the Secretary may recover 
     the costs of such emergent suicide care provided under this 
     section, other than for such care for a service-connected 
     disability.
       ``(4) In carrying out subsection (d), the Secretary may not 
     charge an eligible individual for any cost of emergent 
     suicide care provided under subsection (a) solely by reason 
     of the Secretary not having been notified of such care 
     pursuant to such subsection.
       ``(g) Annual Report.--Not less than once each year, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on 
     emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a). Each 
     such report shall include, for the year covered by the 
     report--
       ``(1) the number of eligible individuals who received 
     emergent suicide care under subsection (a);
       ``(2) demographic information regarding eligible 
     individuals described in paragraph (1);
       ``(3) the types of care furnished or paid for this section; 
     and
       ``(4) the total cost of providing care under subsection 
     (a).
       ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `acute suicidal crisis' means that an 
     individual was determined to be at imminent risk of self-harm 
     by a trained crisis responder or health care provider.
       ``(2) The term `crisis residential care' means crisis 
     stabilization care provided--
       ``(A) in a residential setting; and
       ``(B) in a facility other than a hospital.
       ``(3) The term `crisis stabilization care' includes, with 
     respect to an individual in acute suicidal crisis, care that 
     ensures, to the extent practicable, immediate safety and 
     reduces--
       ``(A) the severity of distress;
       ``(B) the need for urgent care; or
       ``(C) the likelihood that the distress under subparagraph 
     (A) or need under subparagraph (B) will increase during the 
     transfer of that individual from a facility at which the 
     individual has received care for that acute suicidal crisis.
       ``(4) The term `emergent suicide care' means crisis 
     stabilization care provided to an eligible individual--
       ``(A) pursuant to a recommendation of the eligible 
     individual from the Veterans Crisis Line; or
       ``(B) who presents at a medical facility in an acute 
     suicidal crisis.
       ``(5) The term `health-plan contract' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 1725 of this title.
       ``(6) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the hotline 
     under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relation to section 1720I the following new item:

``1720J. Emergent suicide care.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The Secretary shall furnish or pay for 
     emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on the 
     date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 202. EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS 
                   OF VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 270 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish an education program (in this section 
     referred to as the ``education program'') for the education 
     and training of caregivers and family members of eligible 
     veterans with mental health disorders.
       (b) Education Program.--
       (1) In general.--Under the education program, the Secretary 
     shall provide a course of education to caregivers and family 
     members of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping 
     with mental health disorders in veterans.
       (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the education 
     program during the four-year period beginning on the date of 
     the commencement of the education program.
       (3) Scope.--
       (A) Caregivers.--The Secretary, with respect to the 
     component of the education program that relates to the 
     education and training of caregivers, shall--
       (i) include such component in the training provided 
     pursuant to the program of comprehensive assistance for 
     family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     established under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code; and
       (ii) make such component available on the Internet website 
     of the Department that relates to caregiver training.
       (B) Family members.--The Secretary shall carry out the 
     component of the education program that relates to the 
     education and training of non-caregiver family members at 
     facilities of the Department as follows:
       (i) Not less than five medical centers of the Department.
       (ii) Not less than five clinics of the Department.
       (iii) Not less than five Vet Centers (as defined in section 
     1712A(h) of title 38, United States Code).
       (C) Solicitation of applications.--In selecting locations 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall solicit 
     applications from eligible facilities of the Department that 
     are interested in carrying out the education program.
       (D) Considerations.--In selecting locations pursuant to 
     subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall consider the 
     feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the 
     following areas:
       (i) Rural areas.
       (ii) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active 
     duty installation.
       (iii) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (4) Contracts.--
       (A) In general.--In carrying out the education program, the 
     Secretary shall enter into contracts with qualified entities 
     described in subparagraph (B) to offer the course of 
     education described in paragraph (5) to family members and 
     caregivers of eligible veterans and covered veterans.

[[Page H4766]]

       (B) Qualified entity described.--A qualified entity 
     described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity with 
     experience in mental health education and outreach, including 
     work with children, teens, and young adults, that--
       (i) uses high quality, relevant, and age-appropriate 
     information in educational programming, materials, and 
     coursework, including such programming, materials, and 
     coursework for children, teens, and young adults; and
       (ii) works with agencies, departments, nonprofit mental 
     health organizations, early childhood educators, and mental 
     health providers to develop educational programming, 
     materials, and coursework.
       (C) Priority.--In entering into contracts under this 
     paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to qualified 
     entities that have demonstrated cultural competence in 
     serving military and veteran populations, and, to the extent 
     practicable, use internet technology for the delivery of 
     course content in an effort to expand the availability of 
     support services, especially in rural areas.
       (5) Course of education described.--The course of education 
     described in this paragraph shall consist of curriculum that 
     includes the following:
       (A) General education on different mental health disorders, 
     including information to improve understanding of the 
     experiences of individuals suffering from such disorders.
       (B) Techniques for handling crisis situations and 
     administering mental health first aid to individuals 
     suffering from a mental health disorder.
       (C) Techniques for coping with the stress of living with an 
     individual suffering from a mental health disorder.
       (D) Information on additional services available for family 
     members and caregivers through the Department or community 
     organizations and providers related to mental health 
     disorders.
       (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Surveys.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
     comprehensive survey of the satisfaction of individuals that 
     have participated in the course of education described in 
     subsection (b)(5). Such survey shall include a solicitation 
     of feedback on the following:
       (A) The general satisfaction of those individuals with the 
     education and assistance provided under the education 
     program.
       (B) The perceived effectiveness of the education program in 
     providing education and assistance that is useful for those 
     individuals.
       (C) The applicability of the education program to the 
     issues faced by those individuals.
       (D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (2) Compilation of information.--The information compiled 
     as a result of the surveys conducted under paragraph (1) 
     shall be--
       (A) disaggregated by facility type at which the education 
     program was carried out; and
       (B) included in the annual reports under subsection (d)(1).
       (d) Reports.--
       (1) Annual reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of the education program and not later than 
     September 30 each year thereafter until 2024, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on--
       (i) the education program; and
       (ii) the feasibility and advisability of expanding the 
     education program to include the establishment of a peer 
     support program composed of individuals who complete the 
     education program (in this section referred to as a ``peer 
     support program'').
       (B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The number of individuals that participated in the 
     course of education described in subsection (b)(5) during the 
     year preceding the submission of the report.
       (ii) A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under 
     subsection (c) with respect to the individuals described in 
     clause (i).
       (iii) Any plans for expansion of the education program.
       (iv) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of 
     establishing a peer support program.
       (v) The interim findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     with respect to the success of the education program and the 
     feasibility and advisability of establishing a peer support 
     program.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the 
     completion of the education program, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a final report on the 
     feasibility and advisability of continuing the education 
     program.
       (B) Elements.--The final report under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under 
     subsection (c).
       (ii) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of 
     continuing the education program without entering into 
     contracts for the course of education described in subsection 
     (b)(5).
       (iii) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of 
     expanding the education program.
       (iv) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of 
     establishing a peer support program.
       (e) Monitoring of Program.--The Secretary shall select 
     mental health care providers of the Department to monitor the 
     progress of the instruction provided under the education 
     program.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who is 
     enrolled in the health care system established under section 
     1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) The terms ``caregiver'' and ``family member'' have the 
     meaning given those terms in section 1720G(d) of title 38, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 203. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     on which the national emergency declared by the President 
     pursuant to the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et 
     seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 
     expires, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a 
     task force to be known as the ``Task Force on Outdoor 
     Recreation for Veterans'' (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Task Force'').
       (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of the 
     following members or their designees:
       (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) The Secretary of the Interior.
       (3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
       (4) The Secretary of Agriculture.
       (5) The Secretary of Defense.
       (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
       (7) The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers.
       (8) At least two representatives from veterans service 
     organizations.
       (9) Any other member that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     determines to be appropriate.
       (c) Chairpersons.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and 
     the Secretary of the Interior shall serve as co-chairpersons 
     of the Task Force (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Chairpersons'').
       (d) Duties.--
       (1) Task force.--The duties of the Task Force shall be--
       (A) to identify opportunities to formalize coordination 
     between the Department of Veterans Affairs, public land 
     agencies, and partner organizations regarding the use of 
     public lands and other outdoor spaces for facilitating health 
     and wellness for veterans;
       (B) to identify barriers that exist to providing veterans 
     with opportunities to augment the delivery of services for 
     health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on 
     public lands and other outdoor spaces; and
       (C) to develop recommendations to better facilitate the use 
     of public lands and other outdoor spaces for promoting 
     wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and 
     therapeutic interventions for veterans.
       (2) Consultation.--The Task Force shall carry out the 
     duties under paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate 
     veterans outdoor recreation groups.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary report.--Not later than one year after the 
     date on which the Task Force is established, the Chairpersons 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the preliminary findings 
     of the Task Force.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the submission of the preliminary report under paragraph 
     (1), the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on 
     the findings of the Task Force, which shall include the 
     recommendations developed under subsection (d)(1)(C).
       (f) Duration.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date 
     that is one year after the date of the submission of the 
     final report in subsection (e)(2).
       (g) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
     The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not 
     apply to the Task Force.
       (h) Public Lands Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``public lands'' means any recreational lands under the 
     jurisdiction of the Federal Government or a State or local 
     government.

     SEC. 204. CONTACT OF CERTAIN VETERANS TO ENCOURAGE RECEIPT OF 
                   COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

       (a) Notice.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Health of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs shall seek to contact each 
     covered veteran by mail, telephone, or email to encourage 
     each covered veteran to receive medical examinations 
     including the following:
       (1) A comprehensive physical examination.
       (2) A comprehensive mental health examination.
       (3) A comprehensive eye examination if the covered veteran 
     has not received such an examination in the year immediately 
     preceding the date of such examination.
       (4) A comprehensive audiological examination if the covered 
     veteran has not received such an examination in the year 
     immediately preceding the date of such examination.
       (b) Examinations.--
       (1) Va health care facilities.--If a covered veteran elects 
     to receive more than one examination described in subsection 
     (a) at a health care facility of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Under Secretary of

[[Page H4767]]

     Health shall seek to furnish all such scheduled examinations 
     on the same day.
       (2) Community care.--Pursuant to subsection (d) or (e) of 
     section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, a covered 
     veteran may receive an examination described in subsection 
     (a) from a health care provider described in subsection (c) 
     of that section.
       (c) Transportation.--
       (1) Beneficiary travel program.--Pursuant to section 111 of 
     title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs may pay for a rural covered veteran to travel to a 
     health care facility to receive an examination described in 
     subsection (a).
       (2) Shuttle service.--The Under Secretary of Health shall 
     seek to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations 
     to provide shuttle service to rural covered veterans for 
     examinations described in subsection (a).
       (d) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to Congress a report regarding how many 
     covered veterans scheduled examinations described in 
     subsection (a) after receiving a letter, telephone call, or 
     email under that subsection.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran who--
       (A) is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of title 
     38, United States Code; and
       (B) has not received health care furnished or paid for by 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the two years 
     immediately preceding the date in subsection (a)(1).
       (2) The term ``rural covered veteran'' means a covered 
     veteran--
       (A) who lives in an area served by the Office of Rural 
     Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
       (B) whom the Under Secretary of Health determines requires 
     assistance to travel to a health care facility to receive an 
     examination described in subsection (a).
       (3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 205. POLICE CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Training.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     provide to Department police officers an annual training on 
     the prevention of suicide among the population served by the 
     Department police officers.
       (b) Curriculum.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall update any similar training provided before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act to ensure that the 
     curriculum for the training addresses, at a minimum, the 
     following:
       (1) Effective behavioral science procedures for suicide 
     prevention and risk mitigation.
       (2) Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, including 
     through the use of interactive training.
       (3) Information about mental health and substance abuse 
     disorders.
       (4) Information about local law enforcement crisis 
     intervention teams and other resources for veterans 
     experiencing mental health crises available by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs, other elements of the Federal 
     Government, and the community in which the police officers 
     serve.
       (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     annual training provided to Department police officers at a 
     medical facility of the Department under subsection (a) is 
     provided in consultation with law enforcement training 
     accreditation organizations and the mental health experts at 
     such facility.
       (d) Plan on Community Partnerships.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each police force of a facility of the Department 
     develops a plan to enter into partnerships with--
       (1) local community mental health organizations and 
     experts, local community veterans organizations, and local 
     community criminal justice organizations and experts; and
       (2) local police departments, including by facilitating the 
     sharing of training resources with crisis intervention teams 
     of the local police departments.
       (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report on the annual 
     training under subsection (a), including--
       (1) a description of the curriculum of such training;
       (2) with respect to the year preceding the date of the 
     report--
       (A) the number of facilities of the Department that 
     conducted such training;
       (B) the number of Department police officers who received 
     such training; and
       (C) any barriers to ensuring that each Department police 
     officer receives such training;
       (3) any recommendations to address the barriers identified 
     under paragraph (2)(C); and
       (4) the number of facilities of the Department that have 
     entered into partnerships pursuant to subsection (d).
       (f) Department Police Officer Defined.--In this section, 
     the term ``Department police officer'' means an employee of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs specified in section 
     902(a) of title 38, United States Code.

     TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

     SEC. 301. GAP ANALYSIS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN 
                   VETERANS WHO ARE HOMELESS.

       (a) Analysis.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     complete an analysis of programs of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs that provide assistance to women veterans 
     who are homeless or precariously housed to identify the areas 
     in which such programs are failing to meet the needs of such 
     women.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report on the analysis 
     completed under subsection (a).

     SEC. 302. REPORT ON LOCATIONS WHERE WOMEN VETERANS ARE USING 
                   HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate a report on the use by women veterans of health care 
     from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following information:
       (1) The number of women veterans who reside in each State.
       (2) The number of women veterans in each State who are 
     enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department 
     under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
       (3) Of the women veterans who are so enrolled, the number 
     who have received health care under the laws administered by 
     the Secretary at least one time during the one-year period 
     preceding the submission of the report.
       (4) The number of women veterans who have been seen at each 
     medical facility of the Department during such year, 
     disaggregated by facility.
       (5) The number of appointments that women veterans have had 
     at a medical facility of the Department during such year, 
     disaggregated by--
       (A) facility; and
       (B) appointments for--
       (i) primary care;
       (ii) specialty care; and
       (iii) mental health care.
       (6) For each appointment type specified in paragraph 
     (5)(B), the number of appointments completed in-person and 
     the number of appointments completed through the use of 
     telehealth.
       (7) If known, an identification of the medical facility of 
     the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     with the largest rate of increase in patient population of 
     women veterans as measured by the increase in unique women 
     veteran patient use.
       (8) If known, an identification of the medical facility of 
     the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     with the largest rate of decrease in patient population of 
     women veterans as measured by the decrease in unique women 
     veterans patient use.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David P. 
Roe) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
to insert extraneous material on H.R. 8247, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8247, the Veterans 
Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act, or 
Veterans COMPACT Act.
  While passing S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental 
Health Care Improvement Act can be viewed as a great success, no single 
piece of legislation can comprehensively prevent the tragedy of veteran 
suicide.
  We must continually find and work to address gaps in prevention and 
care for veterans, especially those at heightened risk for suicide, 
including women veterans, veterans who have recently separated from the 
military service, veterans who haven't used VA healthcare recently, and 
veterans in acute crisis.
  The COMPACT Act contains nine provisions to further enhance veteran's 
mental health and well-being and prevent deaths by suicide.
  Madam Speaker, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs approaches 
suicide prevention legislation within the CDC's public health 
framework, emphasizing upstream prevention, targeted interventions for 
those veterans at higher risk, and emergency care for those in suicidal 
crisis.

[[Page H4768]]

  The COMPACT Act includes my provision to remove financial barriers 
and ensure that veterans in acute suicidal crisis or at imminent risk 
of self-harm will receive emergency stabilization care and never see a 
bill for it.
  COMPACT also offers two provisions designed to better understand the 
particular needs of women veterans by directing the VA to report on 
women veterans' healthcare usage and the specific program needs of 
women veterans experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
  It also includes two provisions aimed at including veterans' family 
members with veterans' permission in education programs to better 
support their veterans. When we take care of families, we also take 
care of veterans.
  Madam Speaker, this bill also mandates that VA report back to 
Congress on the details of Solid Start, a relatively new VA approach to 
contacting and supporting veterans who have recently separated from the 
military. This is a known high-risk period for suicide among veterans.
  COMPACT will ensure that veterans who haven't used VA healthcare 
recently get a reminder to come back in for VA services, so they don't 
inadvertently lose eligibility for some of those services.
  Because we know that VA police play important roles in keeping 
everyone safe on VA campuses, this bill requires new annual trainings 
to make sure that all VA police officers are familiar with mental 
health challenges and competent in crisis deescalation techniques.
  Madam Speaker, finally, the COMPACT Act sets up an interagency task 
force to look at increasing veterans' access to the outdoors and, in 
particular, use of our public lands for healing and recreation.
  I want to emphasize that the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs is 
always willing to work in a bipartisan and bicameral way to advance 
policies to support veterans. And to that end, we sought and 
incorporated feedback from stakeholders and we worked hard to find 
consensus with our House and Senate colleagues.
  Madam Speaker, even though the Department of Veterans Affairs 
declined to appear and testify before us in the House on this bill, we 
incorporated its last-minute technical suggestions in the spirit of 
collaboration. And because of their commitment to finding common ground 
and for working with the House to reach an agreed-upon bipartisan, 
bicameral piece of legislation, I want to thank Senators Moran and 
Tester, and Dr. Roe and their staffs for their tireless efforts in 
helping craft this bill. Because of their work, we are providing VA 
with additional tools and resources to reduce veteran suicide.
  We should be clear that while we will pass two important pieces of 
legislation today to address the tragedy of veteran suicide, this 
certainly does not mark the end of Congress' obligation. We can and we 
must do more.
  Madam Speaker, we must implement key recommendations from the White 
House PREVENTS task force related to lethal means safety and community 
provider training. We must increase VA's outreach to and care for 
minority and underserved veterans.
  We stand ready to move this negotiated bill forward and immediately 
get back to work. My hope is that the Senate stands ready as well. 
Politics must never come before the debt we owe our veterans.
  Before I say my final words in this opening piece about this 
legislation, I want to just again reiterate to our veterans out there 
who may be experiencing a crisis or who know a veteran who may be 
experiencing a crisis, to please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-
800-273-8255 and press 1. As Dr. Roe said earlier today, it is okay not 
to be okay.
  Again, 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
  For deaf or hard of hearing, please call 1-800-799-4889.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of 
H.R. 8247, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1345

  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8247, as amended, the 
Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 
2020. The Veterans COMPACT Act is sponsored by my friend and fellow 
leader of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Chairman Mark Takano from 
California. I thank the chairman for introducing this bill, and I stand 
with him today in full support of it.
  This bill is a result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations with 
Senators Jerry Moran from Kansas and Jon Tester from Montana, the 
chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, and I thank them for their efforts as well.
  To increase access to care to veterans at imminent risk for suicide, 
the Veterans COMPACT Act would require VA to cover the cost of emergent 
suicide care for veterans, including those with other than honorable 
discharges who are in crisis.
  To make VA campuses safer places of care and support for veterans in 
need, it will require the VA police officers to receive regular 
training in suicide prevention.
  To ensure that veterans at risk of suicide receive appropriate help 
at home and their families are recognized and supported for the vital 
roles they play in the recovery process, it would expand training and 
support for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental 
health disorders.
  To support veterans during the vulnerable period of time in which 
they transition out of the military and into their civilian lives, the 
bill would create a pilot program to allow transitioning servicemembers 
to share information about the challenges and stresses of transition 
and the benefits and services available through VA and other 
governmental and private-sector entities with their loved ones.
  To encourage veterans to engage in the VA healthcare system and take 
full advantage of the services VA provides, it would require VA to 
conduct outreach to veterans who have not been seen by VA within the 
prior 2 years. Remember, Madam Speaker, that over 60 percent of those 
veterans who commit suicide have not been in a VA healthcare facility 
in the last 2 years.
  To improve care to the growing number of women who are serving in 
uniform and seeking care as veterans, it will require VA to produce an 
annual report on women veterans' use of VA care and a gap analysis of 
the programs that serve women veterans who are homeless or at risk.
  The bill also contains the text of H.R. 2435, the Accelerating 
Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act, which is sponsored by my friend, 
Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey, who is a senior Member here. 
Congressman Smith is my friend, the former chairman of this committee, 
and a longtime champion of our Nation's veterans. His bill would create 
a task force to examine what opportunities may exist for veterans to 
use our country's bountiful national parks and other beautiful outdoor 
spaces to improve their health and wellness. As the saying goes, 
nature, time, and patience are the three great physicians.
  As an avid outdoorsman myself, I know the healing benefits that 
nature offers, and I am grateful to Congressman Smith for his work to 
increase outdoor recreation for our Nation's veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting 
the Veterans COMPACT Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Ms. Kelly) to speak on H.R. 8247.
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to 
support H.R. 8247, the Veterans COMPACT Act. This important package 
will help veterans struggling with mental health and slow the alarming 
rate of veteran suicides in this country.
  This package includes my bipartisan bill, H.R. 7747, which implements 
reporting requirements for the VA Solid Start program. The Solid Start 
program is a new transitional program designed to contact veterans 
three times during the first year after departing military service.
  Veterans are often at their most vulnerable as they transition to 
civilian life. From waking up to a less structured day to having to 
navigate the

[[Page H4769]]

often-frustrating VA benefits system, veterans can feel alone or 
overwhelmed. But we can change that.
  The proactive engagement from this program has already produced 
positive results. In its first year, VA representatives have helped 
more than 750 veterans apply for disability benefits, and several 
veterans in crisis were immediately connected to suicide prevention 
services.
  We need to build on that success. Sometimes all it takes is a 
friendly voice on the other end of the line to make a difference.
  I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting the Veterans 
COMPACT Act so we can give our veterans the support they deserve.
  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith). My friend is the previous 
chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a great advocate of our 
Nation's heroes.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. First of all, Madam Speaker, I want to thank 
Chairman Takano. I give a special thanks to him and the ranking member, 
Dr. Roe, for including my bipartisan bill, H.R. 2435, the Accelerating 
Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act, into the COMPACT Act that is before the 
House today.
  Madam Speaker, introduced 17 months ago, I am especially grateful for 
the work of my good friend and colleague, Adam Smith from Washington, 
the lead Democrat cosponsor, and all 135 cosponsors of this 
legislation.

  I give special thanks to the veterans service organizations, outdoor 
groups, and a big, big shout-out to the Sierra Club for the 
groundbreaking work that they have done to advance outdoor recreation 
as an extraordinarily effective form of healing for veterans suffering 
from PTSD and other psychological consequences from their service.
  The legislation requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
establish an interagency task force on the use of public lands to 
provide medical treatment and therapy to veterans through outdoor 
recreation. Specifically, the task force duties include, first, to 
identify opportunities to formalize coordination between the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, public lands agencies, and partner organizations 
regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for health 
and wellness for veterans; second, to identify barriers that exist to 
providing veterans with opportunities for health and wellness through 
the use of outdoor recreation on public lands or other outdoor spaces; 
and, third, to develop recommendations to better facilitate the use of 
public lands or other outdoor spaces for promoting wellness and 
facilitating the delivery of health care and therapy for veterans.
  After an exhaustive--hopefully, an exhaustive--analysis, it will 
provide recommendations to Congress within a year.
  Madam Speaker, research has increasingly shown that outdoor 
recreation can be an effective form of treatment and healing for 
veterans. While many nonprofit organizations, VSOs, and other private 
companies have used the outdoors to help heroes to heal, providing 
greater coordination among key Federal agencies will open up new 
opportunities for veterans on public lands and other outdoor spaces.
  Blake, Madam Speaker, is a combat-wounded veteran who served in Iraq. 
By the time he was 20, Blake was suffering severe depression, anxiety, 
and post-traumatic stress disorder. He made three visits to the VA 
psychiatric wards and a substance abuse rehab. But it was a backpacking 
trip led by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors that changed his entire 
perspective.
  With growing hope, Blake began participating in backpacking trips to 
Yosemite, Ansel Adams, and Big Bend. He says the shared experiences in 
the outdoors taught him purpose, self-reliance, and the healing powers 
of nature. Blake reports that ``in every Texas sunrise in the desert or 
a sunset next to an alpine lake, I found more beauty and serenity than 
I thought existed. I found camaraderie with other veterans in sharing 
our stories on the trail. The darkness of what I had experienced 
couldn't compare to the light I saw in watching a trout swim in the 
Merced River with Half Dome looming nearby. And when the depression, 
anxiety, and everything else that comes with PTSD creeps back into my 
life, I know just what to do: Strap on a pack and get outside.''
  Madam Speaker, I urge support for the legislation, and I thank my 
friends for including it in this bill.
  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am 
prepared to close.
  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  In closing, first of all, I want to thank the chairman for his 
persistence in getting this bill done and including Congressman Smith. 
It is wonderful.
  I was out at Walter Reed a number of years ago. They were talking 
about PTSD, and I asked them: Well, do they like to fish? Would that 
help?
  Chris said: Sure.
  I said: Well, I have got some of the best trout streams in the world 
in my district.
  They said: Well, are they going to catch any fish?
  I said: They also have a fish hatchery in my district, and I 
guarantee they are going to catch fish.
  We had a wonderful event, and it does help. There is no question 
about it.
  I was just thinking, when Congressman Smith said that, almost every 
weekend, I am on the Appalachian Trail, which is very near my home, or 
other hiking trails with fellow vets out hiking. It is exactly as he 
described. It is therapeutic. I would encourage everyone to do it, 
especially now that we can begin to get out in this pandemic. I know 
that has kept a lot of people in their homes where they can't get out 
and they feel trapped. Again, reach out.
  Again, I thank the chairman for his work on making this an important 
issue of the committee this year, and I appreciate his leadership on 
that.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I thank the ranking member for his assistance and partnership in 
getting COMPACT to the finish line. I certainly thank Chairman Smith 
for his contribution. I agree with the chairman that the great 
outdoors--the tremendous resources that we have in our country of our 
national parks--should be made more available and accessible to our 
veterans who are suffering the unseen wounds of war. So I thank the 
gentleman so much for his contribution.
  Madam Speaker, I want to urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 
8247. I want to thank the staff; my own staff director, Ray Kelley; and 
the tremendous expertise that we brought on and just the tremendous 
focus that they were able to achieve during the past 18 months.
  This is, indeed, a huge milestone today, to be standing here and to 
see H.R. 8247 be passed before the House today.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 
8247, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees 
on the Judiciary and Homeland Security, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 8247, the ``Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and 
Treatment Act of 2020'', which makes numerous improvements relating to 
Department of Veterans Affairs services offered during the transition 
period for veterans, suicide prevention for veterans, in addition to 
care and services for women veterans.
  First and foremost, I want to thank all of our armed servicemen and 
women for their selfless dedication to our protection every day.
  This country owes you all a great debt for your sacrifice.
  It is no secret that the transition from active duty to civilian life 
poses numerous challenges and potential triggers to veterans.
  We have all heard the saying ``it takes a village''.
  Providing support to veterans who have mental illnesses is no 
different.
  That is why I appreciate this bill's hands-on approach to involve 
loved ones in providing care to veterans who are struggling with their 
mental health.
  For example, this bill creates a pilot program on information sharing 
of the assistance and benefits available to veterans between the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and designated loved ones.
  This legislation also stipulates that the VA to carry out an 
education program for family members and caregivers of veterans with 
mental health disorders.

[[Page H4770]]

  It is well known that outreach continues to be a major obstacle for 
VA prevention efforts.
  H.R. 8247 seeks to address this issue by requiring the VA to contact 
veterans by mail, telephone, or email to urge them to come in for a VA 
exam, so that they remain ``actively enrolled'' in the VA health care 
system.
  These continuous check-ins are also key to addressing the startling 
suicide rates among veterans.
  For instance, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide 
than Americans who never served in the military.
  For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely to die 
by suicide.
  In 2017 alone, 6,100 veterans died by suicide.
  H.R. 8247 improves upon the status quo of care for veterans with 
regards to mental health by promoting coordination between the VA and 
the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the nearest VA facility.
  This will help in determining if the individual in crisis is eligible 
for other VA benefits and make referrals for appropriate follow-on 
care.
  Madam Speaker, I also applaud the bill's designation of the VA as the 
primary payer.
  With this provision, we are not only removing the out-of-pocket costs 
for veterans with respect to emergent mental health, but we are also 
removing a barrier that prevents so many from seeking help.
  Veterans are truly heroes walking among us.
  Their sacrifices, and those of their families, allow civilians to 
enjoy the benefits of our freedom without a second thought.
  Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, 
marines and Coast Guardsmen and women and their families, our country 
would not live so freely.
  I offer my deepest gratitude to our nation's troops and reservists, 
their families, and the 19.2 million veterans, including 28,227 in my 
own district.
  Nine in ten military families believe the public does not understand 
or appreciate their sacrifices.
  Today, Congress has the opportunity to show its appreciation for our 
military personnel by voting for H.R. 8247.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 8247, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________