Us Congress House Bill HB2942

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/17/25

Caption

What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act

Impact

The bill's proactive approach emphasizes clear and measurable objectives, data collection methods, and program evaluation to ascertain effectiveness and inform future decisions regarding the potential expansion or permanence of these programs. By requiring continuous communication on program objectives and performance assessments, it aims to ensure that relevant entities are kept informed throughout the program lifecycle. The regulations shall apply to all related programs irrespective of their establishment date, thereby reinforcing the standardization throughout the Veterans Health Administration.

Summary

House Bill 2942, titled the 'What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act,' aims to establish standardized practices for grant or pilot programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Health Administration. This bill highlights a comprehensive approach to addressing veteran suicide through well-defined objectives and methodologies that will guide the execution and evaluation of such programs. By mandating that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs formulates regulations to standardize practices, the bill seeks to create a more efficient and coherent process for mental health programming aimed at veterans.

Contention

While the intent behind HB2942 is broadly viewed as a necessary step to combat veteran suicide, potential points of contention may arise regarding the execution and implementation of these standardized practices. Concerns may surface relating to federal oversight versus local implementation flexibility, particularly in how uniform methodologies might address diverse local needs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of standardized practices in delivering personalized care to veterans facing unique challenges could also be a topic of debate as stakeholders evaluate the balance between regulation and tailored support.