-- This week, Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) are introducing the ‘No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act,’ legislation to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) follows up with veterans rescheduling mental health appointments at the VA. Currently, if a veteran cancels a mental health appointment online the VA is not required to follow up to reschedule. This bill would require the VA to follow-up with veterans and reschedule his or her mental health appointment.

 “As a Gold Star Son, I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the support that they deserve,” said Rep. Phillips. “Addressing the crisis of veteran suicide in this country is of paramount priority. Scheduling a mental health appointment online has become the preferred method for this generation of transitioning veterans, so it is crucial that those cancelled online appointments receive follow-up. I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Bryan Steil to introduce this critical legislation.”

“It is critical that we support our veterans’ mental health” said Rep. Steil. “By requiring that the VA follows up with our veterans for any cancelled appointment, we can make sure veterans get the assistance they need at difficult times.  I will continue working with my colleagues to increase access to mental health services to ensure our veterans and their families are able to receive the care and resources they need.”

 For full text of the legislation, click here.