Ernst’s bipartisan bill to support veterans’ mental health passes Senate

The U.S. Senate on Oct. 7 unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) to support the mental health and well-being of United States military veterans. 

“As a combat veteran myself, I’ve helped lead efforts to improve mental health services for our veterans and was proud to get this bipartisan bill passed out of the Senate unanimously,” Sen. Ernst said. 

S. 544, which Sen. Ernst introduced on March 2 with 10 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week each year as Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks, according to the congressional record bill summary.

Additionally, the legislation would require the VA to ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during this designated week, the summary says.

“Too often, the men and women who have served our country in combat face mental health challenges when returning to civilian life,” said Sen. Ernst. “I’ll keep pushing to get this important legislation signed into law to allow more veterans the opportunity to learn how to conduct peer wellness checks so they can check in with their fellow veterans and help get them the care and support they need.”

The bill is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” to connect veterans with other veterans to ensure they receive needed support, according to information provided by Sen. Ernst’s office.

If enacted, S. 544 would require the VA to work directly with nonprofits that serve veterans, mental health experts, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces to educate veterans on how to conduct wellness checks, the information says.

The bill, which is supported by the American Legion, is now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.