Reps. Salazar, Strong Introduce Bipartisan SERVICE Act to Support Veterans, Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined her colleagues Reps. Dale W. Strong (R-AL), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD) in introducing H.R. 8140, the Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran In Critical Emergencies (SERVICE) Act. 13 additional Members joined as original cosponsors of the bill.

The SERVICE Act creates 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 military veteran law enforcement officers that respond to other veterans in crisis or emergency.

“Research shows that when a veteran is in crisis, they are most receptive to help and support provided by fellow veterans. Nearly 20% of our U.S. law enforcement has served in the military, and they are undoubtedly the most well-equipped to respond to other veterans in need,” said Rep. Salazar. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and we owe them the best care possible 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.”

A Veterans Response Team is a team of law enforcement officers who also have a background in military service. Members of the team would be available 24/7 to respond to instances of a veteran in crisis, this may include mental health or substance abuse situations. Following initial response, members of the team would assist in connecting the individual with community and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources.

Original cosponsors of the SERVICE Act include Representatives Dale Strong (R-AL), Lou Correa (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), David Valadao (R-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Max Miller (R-OH), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), John James (R-MI), and Troy Balderson (R-OH).

“Supporting our veterans after they return home is crucial. This legislation will ensure that law enforcement agencies around the country are better equipped to assist veterans suffering from issues such as mental health crises and connect them with appropriate community or VA services. We owe our servicemembers a debt that cannot be repaid, and it is my honor to introduce this legislation to work towards providing our veterans with the best treatment possible,” said Rep. Strong.

“When our nation’s veterans return home, we owe it to them to make sure they're met with the support they deserve and have earned—and we must keep our moral commitment to them,” said Rep. Correa. “Many of our veterans return home with invisible wounds and respond better to their fellow veterans in times of need. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation is key to fulfilling our promise to those who’ve offered their lives for our freedom—and will save countless lives along the way.”

“Veterans have served us in our nation’s time of need. Now we must keep this sacred covenant to serve our veterans in their darkest hour. The SERVICE Act will help them get mental health services and prevent suicides. Service men and women who now face PTSD, psycho-social trauma, and physical symptoms of being in war zones across our world must get treatment for what ails them. My father and father-in-law both served in the military, so I know what it means to be a part of a military family. They deserve the respect and dignity of getting the care they rightly earned. I co-lead this bill because this is about doing what’s best for veterans in crisis and helping our law enforcement personnel assist in this effort,” said Rep. Ivey.

“I am proud to join my colleagues on this commonsense legislation that will help connect veterans to critical mental health resources,” said Rep. Miller. “Veterans across Ohio’s 7th Congressional District and our nation have sacrificed so much defending our freedoms; they shouldn’t have to be alone when going through a crisis. Our veterans and their families sacrificed for us, often in dark times. We will be there for them always, especially when they need us the most.” 

“We have a responsibility to care for the people who have served our country and their mental health before they reach a breaking point,” said Rep. Wenstrup, D.P.M. “I am proud to support the SERVICE Act, legislation that will create a pilot program to fund veterans’ response teams at law enforcement agencies throughout the country, modeled after the incredible success of the Military Liaison Group at the Cincinnati Police Department. I look forward to seeing the House pass this legislation so the pilot program can help service members across the nation.” 

“Our commitment to our nation’s military veterans has no end date,” said Rep. Balderson. “I am so proud to join my colleagues in support of the SERVICE Act, which helps to better equip law enforcement should they encounter a veteran in crisis. Our law enforcement, many of whom are veterans themselves, are often the first point of contact when a veteran is facing a crisis. This funding helps ensure adequate training on how to handle these difficult situations and ultimately connects veterans with available resources to help them overcome their unique challenges.”

The SERVICE Act has also been endorsed by American Legion, Hope for the Warriors, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

BACKGROUND: 

There were 6,392 veteran suicides in 2021, according to the most recent VA data. Most veterans who committed suicide were not receiving any form of care at the VA. VA studies suggest that strides can be made toward prevention with greater community-based intervention and coalition-building and by increasing awareness of and access to mental health services, among other things.

Approximately 25% of law enforcement officers have a background in military service. Establishing Veterans Response Teams affords an opportunity for positive engagement for veterans both within their departments and within their broader communities – which could assist in the transition between military and civilian life and improve recruitment and retention efforts within law enforcement. 

To that end, the SERVICE Act aims to take steps toward assisting veterans in crisis by allowing DOJ COPS grants to be used to:

• Train and educate law enforcement officers on mental health issues related to military service.
• Outfit law enforcement officers with insignia that indicate their branch of service.
• Provide overtime pay for law enforcement officers who participate in a Veterans Response Team.
• Grow awareness of the program within their communities and promote VA resources.

Congresswoman Salazar is a strong supporter of Miami’s law enforcement officers and praised their work to bring down South Florida’s crime rate to a historic low.

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