This bill, titled the "Have You Served Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program for "Ask the Question Campaigns." These campaigns aim to encourage human services professionals, state and local governments, and community providers to inquire whether consumers or their loved ones have served in the Armed Forces. The primary purpose is to identify veterans and their families who may benefit from Department of Veterans Affairs and other community resources, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Eligible entities for these grants include States and American Indian or Alaska Native tribes that have developed a veteran suicide prevention plan. Grant recipients will use funds to develop or expand these campaigns, providing training on how to appropriately ask the question and refer individuals to available services. The Secretary will provide technical assistance, including best practices and information on screening protocols, and is authorized to make up to 25 grants of up to $200,000 each annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also mandates reporting requirements for grant recipients and the Secretary, and directs the Secretary to develop a plan for implementing similar campaigns across federal agencies. An appropriation of $6,000,000 is authorized for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Armed Forces and National Security
Have You Served Act
USA119th CongressHR-5995| House
| Updated: 11/10/2025
This bill, titled the "Have You Served Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program for "Ask the Question Campaigns." These campaigns aim to encourage human services professionals, state and local governments, and community providers to inquire whether consumers or their loved ones have served in the Armed Forces. The primary purpose is to identify veterans and their families who may benefit from Department of Veterans Affairs and other community resources, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Eligible entities for these grants include States and American Indian or Alaska Native tribes that have developed a veteran suicide prevention plan. Grant recipients will use funds to develop or expand these campaigns, providing training on how to appropriately ask the question and refer individuals to available services. The Secretary will provide technical assistance, including best practices and information on screening protocols, and is authorized to make up to 25 grants of up to $200,000 each annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also mandates reporting requirements for grant recipients and the Secretary, and directs the Secretary to develop a plan for implementing similar campaigns across federal agencies. An appropriation of $6,000,000 is authorized for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section.