3
4

Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act

6/3/2025, 7:27 PM

Summary of Bill S 1655

This bill, known as S. 1655, falls under the 119th Congress and was introduced on May 7, 2025. Its purpose is to expand congressional oversight of the Veterans Crisis Line operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill aims to enhance workforce protections for all personnel working at the Veterans Crisis Line, establish robust performance standards aligning with the mission of the line, and address the demand from callers.

Congressional Summary of S 1655

Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act

This bill temporarily requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a notification to Congress not later than 48 hours before terminating any employee of the Veterans Crisis Line.

The notification must provide a justification of cause for such termination, a clarification on whether the employee is a veteran or military spouse, and a detailed plan to ensure continuity of the mission readiness of the Veterans Crisis Line. This requirement terminates on January 20, 2029.

The bill also requires the VA to report to Congress on the Veterans Crisis Line’s personnel, operations, and performance.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the operation and performance of the Veterans Crisis Line, including recommendations for improvement.

Current Status of Bill S 1655

Bill S 1655 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 7, 2025. Bill S 1655 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on May 7, 2025.  Bill S 1655's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of May 7, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1655

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1655

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1655

A bill to expand congressional oversight of the operation of the Veterans Crisis Line of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve workforce protections for all Veterans Crisis Line personnel, and to ensure robust performance standards that fulfill the Veterans Crisis Line mission and meet caller demand, and for other purposes.
A bill to expand congressional oversight of the operation of the Veterans Crisis Line of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve workforce protections for all Veterans Crisis Line personnel, and to ensure robust performance standards that fulfill the Veterans Crisis Line mission and meet caller demand, and for other purposes.

Comments