An Act to Modify the Family Caregiver Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Include Services Related to Mental Health and Neurological Disorders

This bill, known as the "Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act" or the "COPE Act," is intended to make changes to the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose is to expand the program to include services related to mental health and neurological disorders. The bill also includes provisions for grants to entities to improve mental health support for family caregivers of veterans. Section 2 of the bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to carry out mental health counseling, treatment, and support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program. To be eligible for a grant, an entity must submit an application outlining how the grant will be used, including the distribution of funds among areas with varying levels of urbanization and the unique needs of veterans in different communities. Section 3 of the bill addresses the mitigation of flooding risk on local properties adjacent to medical facilities of the VA. It authorizes contributions to local authorities to address flooding and rising sea levels that may pose a risk to these properties. Section 4 of the bill requires a report from the Comptroller General of the United States on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans. The report should assess the need for mental health support, options for support in VA facilities and the community, availability and accessibility of support, awareness among caregivers, and barriers to accessing support. Section 5 of the bill requires an annual review of security at covered facilities of the VA. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Security and Law Enforcement, must conduct a survey of covered employees to assess security measures and identify any weaknesses. The results of the survey, along with a plan of action to address weaknesses, must be included in an annual report. Section 6 of the bill amends the loan fee table for VA housing loans by extending the deadline for certain fees from November 14, 2031, to March 12, 2032. Overall, this bill aims to improve support for family caregivers of veterans, especially in relation to mental health and neurological disorders, address flooding risks, enhance security at VA facilities, and make changes to loan fees for housing loans.

HB 3581 Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act COPE Act

US Congress 118th Congress

Bill Texts

Engrossed 12/05/2023

Introduced 10/27/2023

Introduced 06/14/2023

Weigh In

Spread the Word!

Sponsors (6)

Rep. Seth Moulton

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Nancy Mace

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Michael Lawler

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Co-Sponsor