Skip to Content

Press Releases

U.S. House Passes Rouzer Bill Included in Veterans Mental Health Package

Washington, D.C., June 23, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) announced legislation he introduced passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of H.R. 6411, the Supporting the Resilience of Our Nation’s Great Veterans Act of 2022, also known as the STRONG Veterans Act.

The STRONG Veterans Act includes the Expanding the Families of Veterans Access to Mental Health Services Act, legislation Congressman Rouzer introduced after hearing from his constituent whose veteran spouse tragically died by suicide.  Rouzer’s legislation expands Vet Center eligibility for counseling and related mental health services to families of servicemembers or veterans of the Armed Forces who died by suicide.

"I’m pleased my legislation H.R. 5029 was included in the STRONG Veterans Act and was approved by the full House.  Along with a number of other important provisions to connect even more veterans to critical mental health resources, this package includes a bill I introduced to ensure the families of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide will not have to worry about enduring the difficult journey toward recovery alone."

Congressman Rouzer spoke on the House Floor to urge his colleagues to pass the STRONG Veterans Act.  Click here to watch Rouzer’s full remarks.

Among other provisions, the STRONG Veterans Act will: 

  • Allow families of members or veterans of the Armed Forces who died by suicide to receive mental health treatment at Vet Centers.
  • Open eligibility for more student veterans at Vet Centers.
  • Expand culturally competent suicide prevention at VA for native veterans. 
  • Significantly increase mental health staffing and training at VA medical centers and Vet Centers.
  • Further strengthen the Veterans Crisis Line.
  • Allow more veterans to benefit from engaging with peer specialists.
  • Collect data for VA to guide expansion of inpatient mental health and substance use treatment.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.