Whereas almost 200,000 veterans are incarcerated; Whereas more than half of justice-involved veterans have either a mental health issue or a substance abuse disorder; Whereas a substantial number of justice-involved veterans are homeless or at risk for homelessness; Whereas many veterans have difficulty finding work and reintegrating into society after living in formalized environments; Whereas veterans who get involved in the criminal justice system may be at a higher risk for suicide; Whereas justice-involved veterans in prison cannot receive medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but may receive outreach services; Whereas justice-involved veterans have more specialized needs upon reentry into society; Whereas veterans treatment courts serve only veterans who are charged with nonviolent crimes and are in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment; Whereas prosecutors work with defense attorneys to negotiate whether a veteran’s case should be heard in the treatment court, and veterans go through counseling funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Whereas once the veteran finishes the program, which can last from a few months to years, all charges are dropped; and Whereas only approximately 500 counties have veterans treatment courts: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court program; (2) encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of these programs and best practices; and (3) reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to helping all veterans reintegrating to civilian life.