Strong Introduces Bipartisan SERVICE Act to Support Veterans, Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – Representatives Dale W. Strong (R-AL), Lou Correa (D-CA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD), introduced 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 would establish a pilot program to allow local law enforcement agencies to use the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to establish dedicated “Veterans Response Teams” within departments to respond to emergency calls involving veterans in crisis. 

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. 

“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,” stated 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,” Rep. Correa said. “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.” 

“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.”    

“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. 

This program was first implemented in Cincinnati, Ohio, and now serves as the blueprint for the state. Dave Corlett, a veteran himself, established the program and maintains that having a fellow veteran respond to these calls is more effective in de-escalating and ensuring that veterans are aware of the resources available to them. 

“I couldn't be more thrilled than to hear about the reintroduction of the SERVICE Act. As a military veteran and 30-year first responder, I have seen the effects of trauma on our warfighters. We all want to reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental health issues and reduce the number of military and first responder suicides. This program has proven itself in the real world to be a great step in that direction,” said Dave Corlett. 

Three members of the Ohio Congressional delegation joined this legislation as cosponsors: Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Troy Balderson (R-OH). 

“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 servicemembers 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.” 

Support from veterans’ organizations: 

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

American Legion, the largest wartime veterans service organization endorsed the legislation. "The American Legion and our 1.6 million dues-paying members fully support the SERVICE Act. Veterans' response teams provide much-needed resources to meet the needs of veterans in crisis. This legislation is critical in deescalating crises that result from conditions such as TBI and PTSD, and we applaud Rep. Strong’s leadership on this key issue,” said American Legion Executive Director, Chanin Nuntavong. 

HOPE for the Warriors, a veterans support non-profit in favor of the SERVICE Act, gave the following statement on the legislation’s introduction: “HOPE For The Warriors strongly advocates for the SERVICE Act as a proactive measure for veterans in crisis. The Veteran Response Teams have proven to better defuse a veteran in crisis and thus reduce the probability of severe legal outcomes and ensure greater safety for the first responders and the veteran.” 

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) strongly supports this legislation, saying, in part: “The SERVICE Act will provide veterans in law enforcement with tools and training to help lift their fellow veterans,” said Jack McManus, National President of VVA. “The SERVICE Act presents an opportunity to improve community relations while saving the lives of our nation’s veterans.” 

Original cosponsors of the SERVICE Act include Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), 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).  

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.