WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1969 · 119th Congress

No Wrong Door for Veterans Act

Passed HouseDrafted by AI, awaiting reviewArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedMar 10, 2025
Passed HouseMay 22, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 22, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. From Iowa: Mariannette Miller-Meeks sponsors it. It would change 3 sections of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1969 would change 3 sections of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 22, 2025).

Public Law 116-171 An earlier law, changed directly

38 U.S.C. 1701 Definitions

  • (6) The term "medical services" includes, in addition to medical examination,… changed · Sec. 3 · see the words

38 U.S.C. 5503 Hospitalized veterans and estates of incompetent institutionalized veterans

  • (d) (1) For the purposes of this subsection— changed · Sec. 4 · see the words
What the words would change: every change, in place (3)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. Public Law 116-171(j)changedby H.R. 1969 Sec. 2(a)

    The bill says: Section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–171; 38 U.S.C. 1720F note) is amended, in subsection (j), by striking "the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section" and inserting "September 30, 2026".

    Bill text

  2. 38 U.S.C. 1701(6)(F)(i)changedby H.R. 1969 Sec. 3

    (i) wheelchairs, artificial limbs (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities), trusses, and similar appliances;

    The bill says: Section 1701 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (6)(F)(i), by inserting "(including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities)" after "artificial limbs".

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 1701)

  3. 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)changedby H.R. 1969 Sec. 4

    (7) This subsection expires on November 30, 2031January 30, 2033.

    The bill says: Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking "November 30, 2031" and inserting "January 30, 2033".

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 5503)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

Bill text used: Engrossed in House (as passed by the House, May 22, 2025) · updated Oct 28, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. A person must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced
  • This bill extends a VA grant program that pays local groups to help veterans at risk of suicide, through September 30, 2026.
    3,6by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)to provide community-based mental health organizations with grant funding[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Background
  • It sets aside $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and lets health care providers apply.
    3$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(2) → inserted (2)in subparagraph (A), by striking or foundation and inserting , foundation, or health care provider[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(2)
  • If VA does not see a referred veteran within 72 hours, the veteran could get emergency suicide care.
    3If the Secretary does not provide services under paragraph (1) to an eligible individual during the 72-hour period following a referral under subsection (m), such eligible individual shall be treated as eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(2)(B) → inserted (2)
  • It also covers prosthetics for sports and recreation for veterans.
    3by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3
  • The House passed it on May 22, 2025. The Senate has not acted, and the September 30, 2026 end date it set has passed.
    1,32025-05-22 06:58:49 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, May 22, 20252025-05-22 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, May 22, 2025by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)

What it would mean for you

Sourced

If you are a veteran in crisis, or love one

Faster backup if VA can't see you quickly

  • Local groups that get these grants must tell you that you may qualify for emergency suicide care.
    3the eligible individual that the individual may be eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(1)(B) → inserted (3)(A)
  • If VA does not give you care within 72 hours of a referral, you would count as eligible for that emergency care.
    3If the Secretary does not provide services under paragraph (1) to an eligible individual during the 72-hour period following a referral under subsection (m), such eligible individual shall be treated as eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(2)(B) → inserted (2)

If you are a veteran who lost a limb

Sports prosthetics would count as medical care

  • Prosthetics and hand devices for sports and recreation would be listed as VA medical services.
    3by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3
  • CBO said VA already provides these devices, so this writes current practice into law.
    6VA currently provides those types of adaptive devices; thus, CBO estimates that implementing section 3 would not affect the federal budget.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · CBO estimate

If a veteran in your family lives in a Medicaid nursing home

A pension cap would last longer

  • To help pay for the bill, the $90 a month pension cap for some nursing home residents would last until January 30, 2033.
    3,9no pension in excess of $90 per month shall be paid to or for the veteran for any period after the month of admission to such nursing facility[9] 38 U.S.C. 5503 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (d)(2)Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 4

If you live in Iowa

Your representative wrote it

What this bill does not do

Sourced
  • It does not make the grant program permanent. It runs through September 30, 2026.
    3by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)
  • It does not add the stronger data reporting Democrats wanted.
    6VA has not established enough metrics to monitor the success of the program.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Minority Viewsrequire grant recipients to ensure that end users receive a post-intervention mental health assessment[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Committee Consideration
  • It is not law. It passed only the House.
    12025-05-22 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, May 22, 2025

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

Pub. L. 116-171, sec. 201(j) (38 U.S.C. 1720F note)Replaces an end date

Current law

The authority of the Secretary to provide grants under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section.
10The authority of the Secretary to provide grants under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section.[10] Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, sec. 201 of Public Law 116-171, printed in the notes to 38 U.S.C. 1720F (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · Sec. 201(j)

The program ended three years after its first grant.

The bill

by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.
3by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)
In plain words: The program would run until September 30, 2026.
3by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)
Pub. L. 116-171, sec. 201(p)Adds funding

Current law

a total of $174,000,000 for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
10a total of $174,000,000 for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.[10] Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, sec. 201 of Public Law 116-171, printed in the notes to 38 U.S.C. 1720F (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · Sec. 201(p)

Money was allowed only through fiscal year 2025.

The bill

$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.
3$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(2) → inserted (2)
In plain words: Adds $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.
3$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(2) → inserted (2)
4 more changes side by side
Pub. L. 116-171, sec. 201(q)(3)Adds eligible groups

Current law

an incorporated private institution or foundation
10an incorporated private institution or foundation[10] Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, sec. 201 of Public Law 116-171, printed in the notes to 38 U.S.C. 1720F (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · Sec. 201(q)(3)(A)

Eligible groups included private nonprofits and foundations, not health care providers.

The bill

in subparagraph (A), by striking or foundation and inserting , foundation, or health care provider
3in subparagraph (A), by striking or foundation and inserting , foundation, or health care provider[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(2)
In plain words: Health care providers with two years of mental health work could get grants.
3in subparagraph (A), by striking or foundation and inserting , foundation, or health care provider[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(2)an entity that has continuously provided mental health care or support services in the United States during the two-year period before the date on which the entity applies for a grant[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(1)
Pub. L. 116-171, sec. 201(q)(11)(A)(ii)Adds words

Current law

A baseline mental health screening for risk.
10A baseline mental health screening for risk.[10] Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, sec. 201 of Public Law 116-171, printed in the notes to 38 U.S.C. 1720F (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · Sec. 201(q)(11)(A)(ii)

The law did not name a screening tool.

The bill

shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
3shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)
In plain words: New grants must use the Columbia suicide risk scale for the starting screening.
3shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)
38 U.S.C. 1701(6)(F)(i)Adds words

Current law

wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, and similar appliances
8wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, and similar appliances[8] 38 U.S.C. 1701, Definitions (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (6)(F)(i)

Artificial limbs were listed without mention of sports devices.

The bill

by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs
3by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3
In plain words: Sports and recreation prosthetics are named as medical services.
3by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3
38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)Replaces a date

Current law

This subsection expires on November 30, 2031.
9This subsection expires on November 30, 2031.[9] 38 U.S.C. 5503 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (d)(7)

The bill

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.
3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 4
In plain words: The nursing home pension limit would last until January 30, 2033 instead of November 30, 2031.
3,9Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 4This subsection expires on November 30, 2031.[9] 38 U.S.C. 5503 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (d)(7)

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

  • The end date, September 30, 2026, and the $52,500,000 amount are set in the bill.
    3by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(2) → inserted (2)
  • The 72-hour trigger for emergency care is set in the bill.
    3If the Secretary does not provide services under paragraph (1) to an eligible individual during the 72-hour period following a referral under subsection (m), such eligible individual shall be treated as eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(2)(B) → inserted (2)
  • The screening tool is named: the Columbia scale.
    3shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

Section by section

Sourced
Read all 4 sections in plain words
Sec. 1 Short title
Names the bill the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act.
3This Act may be cited as the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2 The suicide prevention grants
Extends the Fox grant program to September 30, 2026, with $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.
3by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)$52,500,000 for fiscal year 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(2) → inserted (2)
 Grantees must tell veterans about emergency suicide care, and a 72-hour wait for VA care triggers eligibility.
3the eligible individual that the individual may be eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(1)(B) → inserted (3)(A)If the Secretary does not provide services under paragraph (1) to an eligible individual during the 72-hour period following a referral under subsection (m), such eligible individual shall be treated as eligible for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(2)(B) → inserted (2)
 Health care providers that have offered mental health services for two years can apply.
3an entity that has continuously provided mental health care or support services in the United States during the two-year period before the date on which the entity applies for a grant[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking or foundation and inserting , foundation, or health care provider[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(2)
 Grantees must use the Columbia suicide risk scale for the starting screening.
3shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)
Sec. 3 Sports prosthetics
Lists adaptive prostheses for sports and recreation as VA medical services.
3by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3
Sec. 4 Paying for it
Extends a pension limit for some Medicaid nursing home residents to January 30, 2033.
3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 4

What changed between versions

Sourced
2 steps, from first draft to final text

From the House bill as introduced to the committee's version (House)

  • The committee cut the extension from three years, through 2028, to one year, through September 30, 2026.
    3,5inserting September 30, 2028[5] Introduced in House (March 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)by striking the date that is three years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section and inserting September 30, 2026.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)
  • It replaced a screening tool picked by VA with the Columbia scale, and added the sports prosthetics and pension sections.
    3,5using a protocol selected by the Secretary[5] Introduced in House (March 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(k)(1)shall be the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)by inserting (including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities) after artificial limbs[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 3Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 30, 2033.[3] Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Sec. 4

From the committee's version (House) to the House-passed text

No changes to the wording.

Cost

Sourced
  • The Congressional Budget Office said the bill would allow $53 million for the grants in fiscal year 2026.
    6would reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program through fiscal year 2026 and authorize the appropriation of $53 million for that year[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · CBO estimate
  • Because of the pension change, CBO found the bill would cut net direct spending by $46 million over 2025 to 2035.
    6In total, the bill would decrease net direct spending by $46 million over the 2025-2035 period.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · CBO estimate

Analysis

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

Balance of power

  • In the full committee, a Democratic substitute and a Democratic amendment each failed 11 to 13.
    6This substitute amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute failed by a recorded vote of 11 ayes, 13 noes.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Committee Consideration
  • Ranking Democrat Mark Takano said Senator Warner's bill, S. 793, was a better starting point.
    7I believe that Senator Warner's bill to reauthorize this program, S. 793, is a better starting place[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2176, Rep. Takano

Coalitions

  • Committee votes were close: 7 to 5 in the subcommittee, and Democratic amendments failed 11 to 13.
    6This amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 7 yeas, 5 noes.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Subcommittee ConsiderationThis substitute amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute failed by a recorded vote of 11 ayes, 13 noes.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Committee Consideration
  • On the floor, Takano gave hesitant support and said he would not stand in the way. There was no roll call.
    1,7I rise to speak in hesitant support of H.R. 1969[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2176, Rep. TakanoI will not stand in the way of forward progress on veteran suicide prevention efforts[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2177, Rep. Takano2025-05-22 06:58:49 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, May 22, 2025

Precedent

  • The grants began under a 2019 veterans mental health law and were set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2025.
    6The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (Fox Grant Program) was authorized by the passage of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Backgroundunder current law, this pilot program will expire at the end of fiscal year 2025[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Background

The strongest case on each side

For

Against

  • Congress should not mandate one clinical tool, and a single suicide-risk scale makes it harder to judge whether the program works.
    7Congress is not and should not be in the business of mandating the use of a particular clinical tool[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2176, Rep. TakanoLimiting grantees to the use of a single screening instrument that measures suicide risk at a point in time will further limit our ability to evaluate the overall effectiveness[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2176, Rep. Takano
    Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), ranking member, Veterans' Affairs
  • The grants were never meant for clinical care, so adding health care providers goes too far.
    6,7It was never intended to directly provide clinical care, particularly mental health care.[7] Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · H2176, Rep. Takanowe oppose language that would add ``health care providers'' as eligible grantees[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Minority Views
    Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), ranking member, Veterans' Affairs
  • VA lacks metrics to measure success, and changes should be worked out with the Senate.
    6VA has not established enough metrics to monitor the success of the program.[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Minority Viewsany effort to reauthorize the Fox Grant program should be in coordination with our Senate counterparts[6] H. Rept. 119-103 · Minority Views
    Veterans' Affairs Committee Democrats (minority views)

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What does the 72-hour rule do?
2. What screening tool would grantees have to use?
3. Where does the bill stand?

How this was checked

Sourced
3 checks
  • Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
  • H. Rept. 119-103 (Veterans' Affairs), including CBO's estimate and minority views: Matches the House-passed text, except CBO describes the pension extension as through January 31, 2033 while the bill text says January 30, 2033; the breakdown uses the bill's date.
  • Timing: The bill's September 30, 2026 end date has passed. Whether another law extended the Fox grants was not checked here; a reviewer should confirm before publishing.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one

Sources

Sourced
All 10 sources
  1. Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  2. Referred in Senate (May 22, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  3. Engrossed in House (May 22, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  4. Reported in House (May 19, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  5. Introduced in House (March 10, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  6. H. Rept. 119-103 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  7. Congressional Record, House, May 20, 2025 (H2175-H2177) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  8. 38 U.S.C. 1701, Definitions (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  9. 38 U.S.C. 5503 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  10. Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, sec. 201 of Public Law 116-171, printed in the notes to 38 U.S.C. 1720F (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Official summary

Sourced

No Wrong Door for Veterans Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which awards grants to eligible entities to provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Among other elements, the bill

• adjusts the maximum amount for grants awarded under the program and provides for additional funding per individual who receives suicide prevention services provided or coordinated by a grantee;

• requires the VA to provide briefings about the grant program at least once a year to certain personnel at each VA medical center located within 100 miles from the primary location of a grantee;

• requires baseline mental health screenings for risk provided as suicide prevention services under the program to use a protocol selected by the VA; and

• modifies eligibility requirements for entities seeking grants, including by authorizing applications from health care providers.

In subsequent applications, grantees who have previously received funds under the program must include evidence that previously awarded funds served a significant number of veterans.

The bill requires grantees to notify (1) eligible individuals that they may receive emergent suicide care furnished or paid for by the VA, and (2) the VA if eligible individuals request emergent suicide care.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Mar 10, 2025).

What has happened

Sourced
  1. May 22, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.Library of Congress
  2. May 19, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-103.Library of Congress
  3. Mar 10, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 19 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Jack Bergman R-MI-1