118th Congress Armed Forces and National Security
S. 216: RESPECT Act of 2023
Introduced
- Introduced (completed)
- Passed Senate (not reached)
- Passed House (not reached)
- To the President (not reached)
- Became law (not reached)
Summary
This bill modifies the caregiver programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and addresses the provision of support for caregivers participating in such programs.
The bill expands (1) the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to include services related to neurological disorders and additional mental health services, and (2) the Program of General Caregiver Support Services to include services related to neurological disorders.
The VA must establish a process and requirements for its clinicians to document incidents in which veterans in the family caregiver program present at a facility for treatment for an emergent or urgent mental health crisis or are assessed to be at risk for suicide.
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The bill sets forth the VA's process and requirements for determining or reassessing the eligibility of a veteran and caregiver for the family caregiver program, including with regard to the provision of documentation and evidence related to mental health, psychological trauma, or a neurological disorder. The VA must waive the reassessment requirement under specified circumstances, such as when a veteran's serious injury is caused by a degenerative or chronic condition.
The VA is authorized to award grants to implement, coordinate, improve, or enhance mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program.
The Government Accountability Office must report on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans.
Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
Roll calls
No roll call votes have been held on this bill.
Amendments
No amendments were offered to this bill.
Cosponsors
- Christopher Coons D-DE
- Mark Kelly D-AZ
Who scored on this bill
- 1Jerry Moran SponsorIntroduced, drew cross-party cosponsors2 events+6
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Introductions and cosponsorships count toward weekly caps and show no points.
Other bills by Jerry Moran
- S. 2393: Fiscal Year 2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
- S. 1318: Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act
- S. 3436: Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act
- S. 1591: ARCA Act of 2025
- S. 654: To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes
- S. 2392: Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025
History
- Introduced in the Senate by Jerry Moran.
Show the full action history (3 actions)
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Introduced in Senate
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


