H.R.2264 - Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2264, the Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code. The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to automatically provide dependency and indemnity compensation to survivors of veterans who die by suicide and have a service-connected mental disorder. This legislation intends to ease the financial burden on families who have lost a veteran to suicide related to their service.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2264 would streamline the process for survivors of veterans with service-connected mental disorders to receive dependency and indemnity compensation. It would mandate automatic payment upon determination of service-connected mental disorder and death by suicide. This could lead to quicker financial assistance for grieving families.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial support to surviving families of veterans who die by suicide.
- Streamlines the compensation process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Acknowledges the impact of service-connected mental disorders on veterans' well-being.
- Offers a degree of financial security to those who may be struggling after the loss of a loved one.
- Potentially reduces the financial strain on families during a difficult time.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the financial burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Could potentially lead to fraudulent claims, requiring increased oversight.
- Might not address the underlying issues of veteran suicide, focusing solely on compensation.
- Could create a perception of unequal treatment compared to other causes of death.
- The term 'automatic' might be misleading, as a determination of service connection and suicide is still required.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support veterans and their families. Specifically, the Preamble mentions promoting the general welfare. Congress has the power to legislate in areas concerning the military and veterans' affairs under Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).