VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2724) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 2724, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2724, as amended, the VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Delgado).

VA has provided peer support specialists for recently discharged veterans transitioning to civilian life, veterans with mental health or substance abuse issues, and caregivers of veterans.

Peer support programs have proven successful for these communities and may prove to be a beneficial tool during the claims process for survivors of military sexual trauma. Victim advocacy can serve as a bridge between survivors and the Veterans Benefits Administration adjudicators processing their cases.

Within the MST context, a highly trained peer support specialist can serve as an advocate who can provide counsel, assistance, and coordination to navigate a process that may be stress-inducing and anxiety-provoking.

If the MST claimant chooses to utilize the services of a peer support specialist, the MST claims experience may go more smoothly and potentially reduce the emotional strain on an inherently difficult process.

This bill was amended in committee with thoughtful input from Ranking Member Bost, who sought to clarify that the role of the peer support specialist in assisting an MST claimant is to act as a shepherd for the MST claimant rather than a surrogate who speaks on behalf of a claimant during proceedings. As such, a peer support specialist can provide guidance, support, and counseling and help claimants navigate a difficult and potentially retraumatizing process.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 2724, as amended, and maybe, hopefully, the gentleman from Montana will allow this to go on a voice vote. I thought I would just mention that. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2724, the VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act, which is sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Delgado).

Veterans who file disability claims based on MST report that the process can be difficult and emotional. Peer support specialists can help these veterans through this stressful time. Peer support specialists provide critical help to veterans.

Unfortunately, many veterans who file a claim for conditions based on MST may not be aware of, or eligible for, VHA peer support services. This bill would better ensure that these claimants are eligible for peer support services or are connected with an MST coordinator at VHA.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2724.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.