North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Dale W. Strong (R-AL), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD) have introduced the H.R. 8140, the "Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran In Critical Emergencies" (SERVICE) Act. Thirteen additional members have joined as original cosponsors of the bill.

The SERVICE Act establishes a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Justice to provide grants to law enforcement agencies to create local veteran response teams: teams of law enforcement officers who are also military veterans responding to fellow veterans in crisis or emergency situations.

Representative Salazar emphasized, "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and we owe them the best possible care when they return from their service. I am proud to co-lead the SERVICE Act to provide support to our brave men and women in uniform."

The original cosponsors of the SERVICE Act, including Representative Strong, expressed their commitment to supporting veterans in need and ensuring they receive the assistance they deserve upon returning home. Representative Strong stated, "Supporting our veterans after they come home is crucial. This legislation will ensure that law enforcement agencies across the country are better equipped to assist veterans facing issues like mental health crises and connect them with appropriate community or VA services."

Representative Correa echoed this sentiment, saying, "When the veterans of our nation come home, we owe it to them to make sure they receive the support they deserve and have earned, and we must uphold our moral commitment to them."

Similarly, Representative Ivey emphasized the importance of the SERVICE Act in providing mental health services and preventing suicides among veterans, noting, "The SERVICE Act will help them access mental health services and prevent suicides. Those in service who now face PTSD, psychosocial trauma, and physical symptoms of being in war zones around the world must receive treatment for what ails them."

Representative Miller expressed his pride in supporting the legislation, stating, "I am proud to join my colleagues in this common-sense legislation that will help connect veterans with critical mental health resources."

The SERVICE Act has garnered support from organizations such as the American Legion, Hope for the Warriors, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

In 2021, there were 6,392 veteran suicides, with most not receiving any VA care. The SERVICE Act aims to address this by providing grants for training law enforcement officers on military-related mental health issues and equipping them to respond effectively to veteran crises.

The bipartisan effort to support veterans in crisis and enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies reflects a commitment to honoring and caring for those who have served their country.