Bill Text: NJ AR136 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Expresses support for federal "Building Resources and Access for Veteran's Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025."
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 2)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-05-07 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee [AR136 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AR136-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ALEX SAUICKIE
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Expresses support for federal "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution expressing support for the federal "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025."
Whereas, The high-pressure and demanding nature of military service can negatively impact a person's mental health; and
Whereas, Mental health challenges faced by veterans and service members often include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, and anxiety; and
Whereas, Of the veterans receiving care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2023, about 31 percent had a confirmed mental health diagnosis; and
Whereas, The VA provides eligible veterans and their families with access to mental health services, including evidence-based therapies, inpatient and outpatient care, and crisis support; and
Whereas, The "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025," or the "BRAVE Act of 2025," introduced in the 119th Congress, further addresses mental health services and care provided by the VA, including matters related to personnel, Vet Center administration, women veterans, and access to care; and
Whereas, The legislation also extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which awards grants to community-based organizations to provide non-clinical suicide prevention services to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families; and
Whereas, New Jersey is home to approximately 300,000 veterans, many of whom may be struggling with mental health challenges; and
Whereas, As of 2023, the New Jersey veteran suicide rate was 13.5 per 100,000 veterans; and
Whereas, The residents of New Jersey have a responsibility to help our veterans, both in this State and across the nation, who suffer from the deep, invisible wounds of war and conflict; and
Whereas, The health and well-being of the courageous men and women who served in uniform are of the highest priority for this State; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for this House to demonstrate its support for the "BRAVE Act of 2025" and honor its commitment to our veterans by continuing to support their emotional and mental health; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House expresses its support for the "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025," or the "BRAVE Act of 2025," introduced in the 119th Congress, which addresses mental health services and care provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and respectfully urges its passage by Congress and signing by the President of the United States.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Majority and Minority leaders of the United States Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority leader of the House of Representatives, every member of Congress elected from this State, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
STATEMENT
This resolution expresses support for the "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025," or the "BRAVE Act of 2025," and respectfully urges its passage by Congress and signing by the President of the United States.
The high-pressure and demanding nature of military service can result in mental health challenges, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, and anxiety. Of the veterans receiving care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2023, about 31 percent had a confirmed mental health diagnosis. The VA provides eligible veterans and their families with access to mental health services, including evidence-based therapies, inpatient and outpatient care, and crisis support.
The "Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025," or the "BRAVE Act of 2025," introduced in the 119th Congress, further addresses mental health services and care provided by the VA, including matters related to personnel, Vet Center administration, women veterans, and access to care. The legislation also extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which awards grants to community-based organizations to provide non-clinical suicide prevention services to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
New Jersey is home to approximately 300,000 veterans, many of whom may be struggling with mental health challenges. As of 2023, the New Jersey veteran suicide rate was 13.5 per 100,000 veterans. The residents of New Jersey have a responsibility to help our veterans, both in this State and across the nation, who suffer from the deep, invisible wounds of war and conflict. The health and well-being of the courageous men and women who served in uniform are of the highest priority for this State.
