Have You Served Act
Sponsored By: Representative Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
In Committee
Summary
Would create a VA grant program to expand “Ask the Question” campaigns so more veterans are identified and connected to VA and community services. It would fund training, outreach, and coordination with federal programs and state and tribal suicide-prevention plans.
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- Veterans and families: Would be more likely to be identified during social or health service visits and get referrals to VA and local supports.
- Providers and program staff: Would receive training, screening guidance, and marketing support to ask about military service and make referrals.
- States and American Indian or Alaska Native tribes: Could apply for grants if they have a Governor's Challenge Action Plan or tribal veteran suicide plan; the bill allows up to 25 grants per year and caps each grant at $200,000.
- VA and federal agencies: The VA would provide technical assistance, work with the Office of Management and Budget to plan cross-agency implementation, and require annual KPI reports and an implementation report to Congress.
*Would authorize $6.0 million per year for FY2026–2030, totaling $30.0 million in authorized funding and increasing federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants to Ask About Military Service
If enacted, the Department of Veterans Affairs would run an "Ask the Question" grant program. The program would be authorized $6,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The VA could make up to 25 grants per year, and each grant would not exceed $200,000. States, Territories, DC, Puerto Rico, and qualifying American Indian and Alaska Native tribes with a veteran suicide prevention plan would be eligible. Grants would pay for campaigns, training on how to ask about military service, information on VA and other providers for referrals, and program costs like staffing, technology, marketing, and convenings. Grantees would submit annual KPI reports; the VA would provide technical assistance, coordinate with OMB on Federal implementation plans, and report implementation and KPIs to Congress on the timelines in the bill.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 11/10/2025
Sewell
AL • D
Sponsored 11/12/2025
Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
MA • D
Sponsored 11/12/2025
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
MI • D
Sponsored 11/17/2025
Carson
IN • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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