Curtis’s Peer Support for Veteran Families Act becomes law as part of larger bill

Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to set up a pilot program in 10 medical facilities to offer mental health education and peer support programs to U.S. military veterans’ caregivers and families became law over the weekend as part of a larger bill.

“Now that it’s signed into law, our bill gives veterans and their families hope for a better future after completing their service to our country,” Rep. Curtis said on Monday.

The Peer Support for Veteran Families Act, H.R. 7964, which Rep. Curtis cosponsored on Aug. 7 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenhauer (D-IA), became law on Dec. 5 with President Donald Trump’s signature to enact into law the larger Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020, H.R. 8247. 

Rep. Curtis’s bill directs the VA, with the permission of a veteran, to provide training in understanding mental illness, coping with stress, and de-escalating crisis situations to his or her family and caregivers, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office. 

“I am thankful my colleagues recognize that this bipartisan legislation provides needed resources to those supporting our veterans in mental crisis,” said Rep. Curtis. “Actions speak louder than words, and it’s past due for our nation to honor the courageous sacrifices our brave men and women in the military have made to protect our freedoms.”

The measure has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Association of Suicidology, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the American Legion.