VA Coaching into Care Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9433
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T16:28:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a temporary pilot program offering mental and behavioral health support through a toll-free hotline for friends and family members of veterans.
Key Provisions
- The Secretary must launch the program, called the VA Coaching into Care Act pilot, no later than one year after enactment.
- The hotline will be staffed by Department of Veterans Affairs psychologists and social workers who provide advice on discussing mental health concerns with veterans and make referrals to VA or non-VA mental health services.
- Outreach requirements include notifying veterans service organizations within 60 days, distributing promotional materials at VA facilities within 90 days, and promoting the program on the Department's website.
- A report must be submitted to Congress within 180 days after the program ends, covering call volume, response times, referral types, outreach efforts, and recommendations on continuation.
- The program ends three years after it begins.
- Eligible recipients are defined as family members, individuals living with a veteran, or friends; family members include spouses, parents, dependents, and siblings.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces a new pilot hotline program but does not amend or repeal any existing statutes. It adds administrative responsibilities for the Department of Veterans Affairs focused on supporting veterans' support networks.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire additional staff, develop outreach materials, and produce a congressional report.
- On citizens: Provides direct access to licensed mental health providers for veterans' family and friends, potentially improving support systems around veterans.
- No effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and their family members, friends, and caregivers.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs, including its medical facilities and Vet Centers.
- Veterans service organizations and other groups serving veterans and their families.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill contains no provisions raising constitutional questions or altering legal rights. It focuses on an administrative pilot program within the executive branch's existing authority over veterans' services.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- VA Coaching into Care Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (5 pages)