SERVE Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The SERVE Act amends existing law to extend certain veterans’ benefits to those discharged from the Armed Forces based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Specifically, it expands eligibility for hospital care, mental health services, national cemetery interment, educational assistance, housing loans, and outreach programs. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct outreach and submit a report on the utilization of these expanded benefits.
Key provisions
- Expands eligibility for hospital care and medical services for veterans discharged on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Extends Vet Center readjustment counseling and mental health services to include individuals discharged for these reasons.
- Allows interment in national cemeteries for individuals discharged for sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Includes individuals discharged for sexual orientation or gender identity as eligible for Post-9/11 educational assistance.
- Extends eligibility for housing loans to include individuals discharged for sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct outreach to inform eligible veterans of available benefits.
- Mandates a report to Congress on the utilization of expanded benefits by this population.
Who is affected
- Former members of the Armed Forces
Bill text
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Sponsors
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39 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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