PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 438
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-10T08:06:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a grant program called the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program. The goal is to fund peer-to-peer mental health initiatives that provide nonclinical (non-medical) emotional support to veterans, helping them connect with trained peers who have similar experiences.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Establishment: The VA will award grants to eligible entities to set up and run peer-to-peer mental health programs specifically for veterans.
- Eligible Entities: These include:
- Nonprofit organizations with a history of addressing veterans' mental health needs.
- Congressionally chartered veterans service organizations (VSOs), which are groups officially recognized by Congress to support veterans.
- State, local, or Tribal veteran service agencies, directors, or commissioners.
- Entities must apply with required information and assurances set by the VA.
- Grant Amount and Use of Funds: Each grant is capped at $250,000. Funds must be used to:
- Implement programs that meet VA-developed standards.
- Hire veterans as peer specialists to lead group or one-on-one meetings for nonclinical support.
- Offer mental health support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Hire administrative staff to run the program.
- Program Standards: The VA will form an advisory committee to develop guidelines, including:
- Training requirements for peer volunteers (both initial and ongoing).
- Needs for administrative support staff.
- Best practices tailored to individual veterans' needs.
- Privacy Protections: Grant recipients are not required to keep records on veterans who seek help or share any personally identifying information (PII, such as names or addresses) with the VA.
- Funding Authorization: Up to $25 million is authorized for the program over a 3-year period starting from the date of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new grant program within the VA's authority, with no explicit amendments to prior laws. It expands VA support for veterans' mental health by focusing on community-based, peer-led initiatives rather than solely clinical treatments, and it includes unique privacy safeguards not commonly detailed in similar programs.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will gain administrative responsibilities for granting funds, forming an advisory committee, and setting standards, potentially increasing its role in nonclinical mental health support without adding clinical burdens.
- On Citizens: Veterans may benefit from increased access to round-the-clock, stigma-free peer support, which could improve mental well-being and reduce isolation, especially in underserved areas.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is focused on U.S. veterans.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, gaining access to peer support for mental health challenges.
- Eligible Entities: Nonprofits, VSOs, and state/local/Tribal agencies that can apply for and receive grants to expand services.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for oversight, funding distribution, and standard-setting.
- Peer Specialists and Staff: Veterans hired as peers and support staff, creating job opportunities in mental health support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The bill emphasizes privacy by prohibiting PII collection or reporting, which aligns with federal privacy laws (like those under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA) but extends protections to nonclinical peer programs. This could set a precedent for similar initiatives while limiting VA oversight to ensure program flexibility.
- Constitutional Implications: None directly apparent; the program operates under Congress's authority to provide for veterans' welfare (as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution).
- Political Implications: Named after PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, a veteran who struggled with mental health post-service, the bill highlights bipartisan support (introduced by multiple representatives from both parties). It could influence future VA budgets and mental health policies by promoting community-driven solutions, potentially reducing long-term costs for clinical care.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (32)
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-01-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act — issued 2025-01-15 — PDF (3 pages)