On April 29, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran opened a Senate hearing on veterans’ mental health, emphasizing the need to reauthorize suicide prevention programs established under the bipartisan Commander John Scott Hannon Act. Passed nearly five years ago, the law aimed to boost VA and DoD collaboration, expand the VA’s mental health workforce, and support precision health research. A key part of the law was the creation of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, which funds community-based, non-clinical support services for at-risk veterans.

“It was the goal of Congress and this committee specifically for the VA to work more seamlessly with veteran serving community organizations to provide veterans’ life-saving clinical care and non-clinical support services they deserve.,” said Moran.

The hearing focused on reviewing the effectiveness of the grant program and exploring changes needed ahead of its reauthorization. Lawmakers heard testimony from VA officials, veterans, and representatives of organizations that have received grant funding.

Moran also noted that feedback would be gathered on four additional veterans’ mental health bills.

“Additionally, we will be receiving input from the VA and feedback from advocates on four bills which include helping optimize prevention and engagement, the HOPE Act, which is my legislation, the Building Resources and Access for Veterans Mental Health Engagement, the Brave Act sponsored by Ranking Member Blumenthal, the bill to reauthorize and modify staff, Sergeant Parker, Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program sponsored by Senator Bozeman and Warner and every state counts for Vets Mental Health Act sponsored by Senator Kramer and Senator Coons,” said Moran.

The hearing underscored a shared commitment in Congress to strengthen mental health care and suicide prevention services for veterans through continued collaboration, innovation, and investment.