REP. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR INTRODUCES THE SERVICE ACT FOR VETERANS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Press Release

Today, Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Representative Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran In Critical Emergencies (SERVICE) Act.

The SERVICE Act creates a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Justice that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies to create local veteran response teams -- teams of military veteran law enforcement officers that respond to other veterans in crisis or emergency. Once the emergency is under control, the response team can work further with the veteran to connect them with public and private partner resources to create long-term solutions and care.

The SERVICE Act was inspired by the Cincinnati Police Department's (CPD) "Military Liaison Group" created by Sergeant Dave Corlett. This is the only group of its kind in the United States and currently responds to calls all over the Midwest. Upon the initiation of the CPD's Military Liaison Group, Sgt. Corlett had the goal to make the tool nationwide for law enforcement to help veterans in need. The SERVICE Act, if passed, would create a federal grant pilot program that would expand the program nationwide.

"Research shows that when a veteran is in crisis, they are most receptive to help and support provided by fellow veterans. Nearly 20% of our U.S. law enforcement has served in the military, and they are undoubtedly the most well-equipped to respond to other veterans in need." said Representative Salazar. "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and we owe them the best care possible when they return from their service. I am proud to introduce the SERVICE Act to provide support to our brave men and women in uniform."

"In their times of need, veterans in crisis respond much better to fellow veterans. That's why I am proud to co-lead the SERVICE Act, which creates veteran's rapid response teams in state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies," said Representative Correa. "At a moment when veteran suicides represent 13.7% of U.S. adult suicides, and when veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental overdose compared to the general U.S. population, this legislation creates a tangible solution and a cushion of support for the 18.8 million veterans in the United States, 9,862 of whom call my district home. This legislation will help veterans access timely care, get connected to proper resources, find jobs and will save lives."

"We need veterans to know that we've got their back -- especially when they find themselves in difficult situations. That's the basis behind the SERVICE Act, which is based off an incredibly successful program created by Cincinnati Police Sergeant Dave Corlett to form veteran response units to aid police officers responding to veteran-involved crises," said Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH). "I'm grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for her leadership on helping make the program available in cities across the country and am proud to join her in introducing this commonsense bill that will help save veterans' lives."

"As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the great sacrifices that our service members have made for this country. Legislation like the SERVICE Act will provide grants for local police departments to create veteran's response teams to support veterans in need of assistance," said Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH). "In my district, the Cincinnati Police Department has had success with this program, and we believe that this pilot program will help create a model for other departments across the country."

The SERVICE Act is widely supported by several national veteran and law enforcement groups, including the Vietnam Vets of America, Hope for the Warriors, Easterseals, the R Street Institute, and the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

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