H.R. 5027 — Introduced in House

I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5027 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 8, 2019Mr. Suozzi introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish free and comprehensive mental health care to former members of the Armed Services, and for other purposes. 1. Free and comprehensive mental health care for veterans (a) In general Section 1720I of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 1720I. Comprehensive mental health care for former members of the Armed Forces (a) In general The Secretary shall furnish comprehensive mental health care at no cost to any former member of the Armed Forces. (b) Former members of the Armed Forces In this section, the term former member of the Armed Forces includes the following: (1) A veteran described in section 101(2) of this title. (2) An individual not described in paragraph (1) who— (A) served as a member of the Armed Forces, including the reserve components thereof; and (B) was discharged or released from such service without regard to— (i) the period of active duty service of the individual; or (ii) the character of discharge or release of the individual. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1720I and inserting the following: 1720I. Comprehensive mental health care for former members of the Armed Forces. . (c) Expansion of readjustment counseling and related mental health services Section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (vi) Any former member of the Armed Forces described in section 1720I(b) of this title. .