S.1361 - Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1361, the "Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act," aims to improve the distribution of suicide prevention grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill prioritizes grant consideration for entities located in states that have not yet received such funding. This ensures a more equitable allocation of resources across all states, addressing the critical issue of veteran suicide prevention nationwide.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased funding for veteran suicide prevention programs in states that have been previously overlooked. This could result in improved mental health services and support for veterans in those areas. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the rate of veteran suicide across the entire country.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures more equitable distribution of VA suicide prevention grants.
- Provides targeted support to underserved states.
- May improve mental health outcomes for veterans in those states.
- Could lead to a reduction in the overall veteran suicide rate.
- Encourages broader participation in grant application processes.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create delays in funding for states that already have established programs.
- Could lead to a decrease in funding for states with high veteran populations if they have already received grants.
- The effectiveness depends on the quality of grant applications from previously unfunded states.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the VA to manage the prioritization process.
- No guarantee that funding will directly translate to reduced suicide rates.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the mental health and well-being of veterans. Congress has the power to legislate for the common defense and provide for veterans' welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon 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).