Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance of assisting justice-involved veterans.
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
This resolution supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court program, encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of such programs and best practices, and reaffirms the commitment to helping veterans reintegrate to civilian life.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 698 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 698

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance 
                of assisting justice-involved veterans.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November 14, 2019

Ms. Kendra S. Horn of Oklahoma (for herself, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Takano, 
 Mr. Brindisi, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Rose of New York, Ms. Torres Small of 
 New Mexico, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Case, Mr. Trone, and Mr. 
  Larsen of Washington) submitted the following resolution; which was 
  referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the 
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently 
   determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such 
 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance 
                of assisting justice-involved veterans.

Whereas almost 200,000 veterans are incarcerated;
Whereas more than half of justice-involved veterans have either a mental health 
        issue or a substance abuse disorder;
Whereas a substantial number of justice-involved veterans are homeless or at 
        risk for homelessness;
Whereas many veterans have difficulty finding work and reintegrating into 
        society after living in formalized environments;
Whereas veterans who get involved in the criminal justice system may be at a 
        higher risk for suicide;
Whereas justice-involved veterans in prison cannot receive medical services 
        furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but may receive 
        outreach services;
Whereas justice-involved veterans have more specialized needs upon reentry into 
        society;
Whereas veterans treatment courts serve only veterans who are charged with 
        nonviolent crimes and are in need of mental health or substance abuse 
        treatment;
Whereas prosecutors work with defense attorneys to negotiate whether a veteran's 
        case should be heard in the treatment court, and veterans go through 
        counseling funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
Whereas once the veteran finishes the program, which can last from a few months 
        to years, all charges are dropped; and
Whereas only approximately 500 counties have veterans treatment courts: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court 
        program;
            (2) encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of these 
        programs and best practices; and
            (3) reaffirms the commitment of the House of 
        Representatives to helping all veterans reintegrating to 
        civilian life.
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