Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5904

Introduced
10/6/23  
Refer
10/25/23  

Caption

Helping Heroes Act of 2023

Impact

With the introduction of family coordinators, HB 5904 intends to streamline the access to various support services, addressing social, emotional, and mental health needs of veterans and their families. This comprehensive approach will allow the VA to identify and respond to the specific requirements of disabled veterans and their supporters, fostering a more inclusive environment. Furthermore, it provides a framework for continuous evaluation and resource allocation to ensure that these services are effective and adequately funded.

Summary

House Bill 5904, known as the 'Helping Heroes Act of 2023', aims to enhance the support services provided to veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill establishes a Family Support Program designed to provide necessary resources for eligible veterans and their family members. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators at each VA medical center to assess the needs of veteran families and connect them with appropriate supportive services. This initiative represents a significant step toward recognizing the essential role of veterans' families in their overall well-being.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise surrounding the implementation of these coordinators and programs, particularly regarding the qualifications needed for family coordinators and the administrative overhead necessary to sustain the Family Support Program. Critics may question whether the VA has the capacity to fund and manage an expanded network of services while others may argue that these efforts do not go far enough in addressing the core issues faced by veterans and their families, such as long wait times for care and inadequate service coverage.

Companion Bills

US SB622

Related Helping Heroes Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB622

Helping Heroes Act of 2023

US HB2077

Helping Heroes Act

US SB701

Helping Heroes Act

US SB1139

HOPE for Heroes Act of 2025 Helping Optimize Prevention and Engagement for Heroes Act of 2025

US HB6331

DOULA for VA Act of 2023 Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2023

US HB542

Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023

US HB6338

Veterans’ Cancer Care Coordinator Act of 2023

US SB1315

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

US HJR96

Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023

US HB6028

States Reform Act of 2023

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