[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5133-H5135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
VETERANS TREATMENT COURT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 2147) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to hire additional Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists to provide
treatment court services to justice-involved veterans, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2147
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Treatment Court
Improvement Act of 2018''.
SEC. 2. HIRING BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF
ADDITIONAL VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH
SPECIALISTS.
(a) Hiring of Additional Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialists.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall hire not fewer than 50 Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialists and place each such Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialist at an eligible Department of Veterans Affairs
medical center in accordance with this section.
(2) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist employed under paragraph
(1)--
(A) serves, either exclusively or in addition to other
duties, as part of a justice team in a veterans treatment
court or other veteran-focused court; and
(B) otherwise meets Department hiring guidelines for
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists.
(b) Eligible Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Centers.--For purposes of this section, an eligible
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center is any
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center that--
(1) complies with all Department guidelines and regulations
for placement of a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist;
(2) works within a local criminal justice system with
justice-involved veterans;
(3) maintains an affiliation with one or more veterans
treatment courts or other veteran-focused courts; and
(4) either--
(A) routinely provides Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialists to serve as part of a justice team in a veterans
treatment court or other veteran-focused court; or
(B) establishes a plan that is approved by the Secretary to
provide Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists employed under
subsection (a)(1) to serve as part of a justice team in a
veterans treatment court or other veteran-focused court.
(c) Placement Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize the
placement of Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists employed
under subsection (a)(1) at eligible Department of Veterans
Affairs medical centers that have or intend to establish an
affiliation, for the purpose of carrying out the Veterans
Justice Outreach Program, with a veterans treatment court, or
other veteran-focused court, that--
[[Page H5134]]
(1) was established on or after the date of the enactment
of this Act; or
(2)(A) was established before the date of the enactment of
this Act; and
(B) is not fully staffed with Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialists.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Report by secretary of veterans affairs.--
(A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of
this section and its effect on the Veterans Justice Outreach
Program.
(B) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(i) The status of the efforts of the Secretary to hire
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists pursuant to subsection
(a)(1), including the total number of Veterans Justice
Outreach Specialists hired by the Secretary pursuant to such
subsection and the number that the Secretary expects to hire
pursuant to such subsection.
(ii) The total number of Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialists assigned to each Department of Veterans Affairs
medical center that participates in the Veterans Justice
Outreach Program, including the number of Veterans Justice
Outreach Specialists hired under subsection (a)(1)
disaggregated by Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center.
(iii) The total number of eligible Department of Veterans
Affairs medical centers that sought placement of a Veterans
Justice Outreach Specialist under subsection (a)(1), how many
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists each such center
sought, and how many of such medical centers received no
placement of a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist under
subsection (a)(1).
(iv) For each eligible Department of Veterans Affairs
medical center--
(I) the number of justice-involved veterans who were served
or are expected to be served by a Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialist hired under subsection (a)(1); and
(II) the number of justice-involved veterans who do not
have access to a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist.
(2) Report by comptroller general of the united states.--
(A) In general.--Not later than three years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to Congress a report on the
implementation of this section and the effectiveness of the
Veterans Justice Outreach Program.
(B) Contents.--The report required by subparagraph (A)
shall include the following:
(i) An assessment of whether the Secretary has fulfilled
the Secretary's obligations under this section.
(ii) The number of veterans who are served by Veterans
Justice Outreach Specialists hired under subsection (a)(1),
disaggregated by demographics (including discharge status).
(iii) An identification of any subgroups of veterans who
underutilize services provided under laws administered by the
Secretary, including an assessment of whether these veterans
have access to Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists under
the Veterans Justice Outreach Program.
(iv) Such recommendations as the Comptroller General may
have for the Secretary to improve the effectiveness of the
Veterans Justice Outreach Program.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Justice team.--The term ``justice team'' means the
group of individuals, which may include a judge, court
coordinator, prosecutor, public defender, treatment provider,
probation or other law enforcement officer, program mentor,
and Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, who assist justice-
involved veterans in a veterans treatment court or other
veteran-focused court.
(2) Justice-involved veteran.--The term ``justice-involved
veteran'' means a veteran with active, ongoing, or recent
contact with some component of a local criminal justice
system.
(3) Local criminal justice system.--The term ``local
criminal justice system'' means law enforcement, jails,
prisons, and Federal, State, and local courts.
(4) Veterans justice outreach program.--The term ``Veterans
Justice Outreach Program'' means the program through which
the Department of Veterans Affairs identifies justice-
involved veterans and provides such veterans with access to
Department services.
(5) Veterans justice outreach specialist.--The term
``Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist'' means an employee of
the Department of Veterans Affairs who serves as a liaison
between the Department and the local criminal justice system
on behalf of a justice-involved veteran.
(6) Veterans treatment court.--The term ``veterans
treatment court'' means a State or local court that is
participating in the veterans treatment court program (as
defined in section 2991(i)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control
and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797aa(i)(1))).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Roe) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
General Leave
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 2147, as
amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2147, as amended, the
Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018.
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to
hire at least 50 Veterans Justice Outreach specialists, also referred
to as VJO specialists, to serve in a veterans treatment or other
veteran-focused court.
VJO specialists provide direct outreach to and case management
services for veterans who are involved in the local criminal justice
system. They serve to protect some of our most vulnerable veterans from
unnecessary criminalization and incarceration by working with law
enforcement and the courts to identify service-related mental health or
substance abuse issues that may be underlying criminal behavior among
veterans, and to link veterans with treatment they need from the VA to
recover and become fully functional and contributing members of
society.
This bill is sponsored by Congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado. Mr.
Coffman is a senior member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a
tireless advocate for service members, veterans, and their families.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this bill,
and I urge all of our colleagues to join me in supporting this.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2147, as amended, the
Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018.
This bill would require VA to expand access to Veterans Justice
Outreach specialists in an effort to aid veterans as they interact with
the justice system.
Dealing with veterans who break the law can be complicated. While
they should be held accountable for their crimes, there are frequently
underlying factors, like substance abuse or PTSD, that come into play.
Transitioning from the battlefield to civilian life can be tough for
many.
These specialists are integral to VHA's efforts to ensure veterans
avoid unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended
incarceration among veterans.
Veterans treatment courts are proven ways to ensure veterans receive
the treatment and support necessary to avoid recidivism. I have visited
the Riverside County Veterans Treatment Court and witnessed firsthand
the stellar services it offers veterans in my community.
That is why I believe this bill is so important, as it would ensure
veterans have the assistance and support they need to navigate
successfully through the justice system.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), both an Army and Marine veteran,
my good friend and the sponsor of this bill.
Mr. COFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2147, the
Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act.
For many veterans, the transition from military service has been
successful, with few challenges. However, that is not the case for all
veterans.
Unfortunately, for some veterans, the integration into civilian life
has been met with difficulties, complications, and being caught up in
the criminal justice system, often due to undiagnosed and untreated
mental health issues attributed to multiple combat tours.
{time} 1600
The Veteran Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018, H.R. 2147,
assists criminal justice-involved veterans in getting the help they
need to navigate the justice system and receive much-needed services
through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 2147 authorizes the Secretary of VA to hire an additional 50
Veteran Justice Outreach specialists to support the existing VA Veteran
Justice Outreach program.
[[Page H5135]]
The veteran treatment court model helps prevent the unnecessary
incarceration of veterans who have suffered mental health issues,
substance abuse, and homelessness related to the military service.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2147 to better
meet the needs of the program and provide much-needed services to more
veterans in need.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Arizona (Ms. Sinema) who, though she is not a member of the Veterans'
Affairs Committee, has had a distinguished record of serving our
veterans through very, very significant legislation.
Ms. SINEMA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2147, the
Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018.
Madam Speaker, it is our responsibility as Americans to help our
bravest men and women heal from both the physical and mental wounds of
war.
Veteran treatment courts are important, effective tools to help heal
the invisible injuries many of our veterans sustained defending our
country.
Retired Brigadier General Gregg Maxon, an Arizona veterans court
advocate, told me these courts and their employees ``make all the
difference in how these veterans engage in their treatment programs.''
We worked across the aisle on this bill to ensure that lifesaving
courts have the resources to serve any Arizona veteran who needs
support.
Madam Speaker, too many Arizona families continue to struggle with
addiction. In the past year alone, more than 8,000 Arizonans overdosed
on opioids. Over 1,200 of those lives couldn't be saved.
Leaders in Congress have attempted to cut programs like Medicaid,
known as AHCCCS in Arizona, which ensures treatment and recovery
services for many hardworking Arizonans struggling with addiction. But
instead of attacking this program that works for everyday people across
our State, we should reach across the aisle and work together to find
solutions that help families get ahead and build better lives.
This week, we are working across the aisle and I am proud to see our
progress. We are passing bills to help reduce foreign shipments of
illegal synthetic opioids from places like China that enter our country
through the mail system; passing bills to provide additional targeted
services for individuals and families struggling with addiction; and
passing bills to give law enforcement additional tools to keep
synthetic drugs off the streets and out of our communities.
More work remains, and I look forward to working across the aisle to
deliver results for everyday Arizonans.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Connolly).
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for his
leadership.
I rise in support of the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of
2018 requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire 50 Veterans
Justice Outreach specialists to support veteran treatment courts.
We have a sacred obligation to serve the needs of our Nation's
veterans, including those struggling with addiction and the invisible
wounds of war. Twenty percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans
suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression. One in
six battle with substance abuse.
Left undiagnosed or untreated, these illnesses can lead to an
encounter with the justice system. Worse yet, they can also lead to
suicide, which veterans commit at more than twice the rate of the
civilian population.
Fortunately, specialized veteran treatment courts are being developed
across the country to help veterans who suffer from substance addiction
or mental health disorders, and they receive the assistance they
deserve.
The first such court was established in Buffalo, New York, in 2008.
Since then, more than 300 have opened across the country, including one
in Fairfax County and another in Prince William County, both counties I
represent. I was glad to help establish the first docket in Fairfax
County, and have been a proud supporter ever since.
By bringing these service organizations, State Veterans Services
Departments and volunteer mentors into the courtroom, veteran treatment
courts promote community collaboration and can connect veterans with
the programs and benefits they have earned and they need.
Having a veteran-only court docket ensures that everyone, from the
judge to the volunteers, specialize in veteran care; and the
involvement of fellow veterans allows the defendant to experience the
camaraderie to which he or she has become accustomed in the military.
We know this model works. It is our hope that the additional Veterans
Justice Outreach specialists provided for in this bill will help
promote veteran treatment courts as an alternative to detention for our
Nation's returning heroes, and help them with the transition to
civilian life.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Let me just say that I have personally witnessed the effectiveness of
these courts in my own community. They have saved lives; they have
fixed lives; they have repaired lives; and they have afforded our
veterans a measure of dignity as they heal from their experiences in
battle.
So I ask all my colleagues to please join me in passing H.R. 2147, as
amended.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all
Members to support H.R. 2147, as amended, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Marchant). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2147, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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