Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2283 - Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2283, the "Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery Act" or "RECOVER Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a three-year pilot program. This program will provide grants to outpatient mental health facilities for culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care for veterans. The bill authorizes appropriations of $20 million per year from 2025 through 2027 to fund the program.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to improve veterans' access to mental health care by supporting community-based outpatient facilities. This support includes funding for culturally competent care and encouraging enrollment in the VA's patient enrollment system. The pilot program's outcomes will be reported to Congress, potentially leading to further policy changes.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved access to mental health care for veterans, especially in underserved areas.
  • Culturally competent care tailored to the specific needs of veterans.
  • Increased enrollment of veterans in the VA healthcare system.
  • Support for non-profit mental health organizations serving veterans.
  • Data collection and reporting to improve the effectiveness of mental health programs.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for inefficient use of funds if the pilot program is not managed effectively.
  • Limited scope of the pilot program, potentially leaving out many veterans in need.
  • Administrative burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs to manage the grant program.
  • Risk that some facilities may not meet the requirements for culturally competent care.
  • Possible delays in implementation due to regulatory requirements.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It also aligns with Congress's power to provide for the common defense and support veterans (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).