Bipartisan Delgado Bill to Support Veteran Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma Passes Through Committee

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced that his bipartisan VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act passed unanimously through the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This legislation would establish a peer support program at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

"Our brave servicemembers who experience Military Sexual Trauma need more care and support services in order to heal," said Rep. Delgado. "Our bill will help ensure survivors of MST have access to trauma-informed peer support when applying for benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration. I'm proud to see this bill pass through committee and I thank Congresswoman Mace for her partnership on this effort. I will keep pushing to get this bill delivered to the President's desk."

While the Veterans Health Administration has a peer support system for MST survivors and the Department of Defense has its own victim advocate program, the VBA has no similar programs. As such, MST survivors receive no formal mental health support as part of their application process at the VBA--the agency responsible for administering financial benefits and programs for veterans including service-connected disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, vocational rehabilitation, G.I. Bill benefits, and more.

Rep. Delgado's legislation is endorsed by many of the nation's leading Veterans Service Organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Minority Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project.

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