HR 1954 115th Congress House Armed Forces and National Security Assault and harassment offenses Congressional oversight Crimes against women Criminal justice information and records Disability assistance Evidence and witnesses Health information and medical records Internet and video services Internet, web applications, social media Medical tests and diagnostic methods Mental health Military education and training Military personnel and dependents Sex offenses Sexually transmitted diseases Veterans' medical care Veterans' pensions and compensation Women's health

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2017

Introduced: April 5, 2017 Introduced by: Pingree, Chellie Democratic · Maine See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

Apr 24, 2017

Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Apr 6, 2017

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Apr 5, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Apr 5, 2017

Introduced in House

Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2017

This bill expands Department of Defense (DOD) sexual trauma counseling and treatment to include: (1) cyber harassment of a sexual nature, and (2) members of the Armed Forces on active duty for training or inactive duty training.

The bill sets forth the standard of proof, which may be rebutted, in the case of a veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition was incurred in or aggravated by military sexual trauma during active service. The reasons for granting or denying service-connection in each case shall be recorded in full.

DOD shall ensure that: (1) in a compensation claim for post-traumatic stress disorder based on sexual assault, battery, cyber harassment, or harassment experienced during active military service, non-DOD evidence may corroborate the veteran's account of such assault, battery, or harassment; and (2) behavior changes may be considered as corroborating evidence.

DOD shall: (1) report annually through 2027 on submitted claims to identify and track the consistency of decisions across regional offices, (2) inform members of the Armed Forces of their eligibility for services at Vet Centers, and (3) ensure that Sexual Assault Response Coordinators advise members of the Armed Forces who report instances of military sexual trauma about their eligibility for Vet Center services.

What's happening now April 24, 2017

Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Committees of jurisdiction 4