Comprehensive Veterans Support and Compensation Act (CVSCA)

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Comprehensive Veterans Support and Compensation Act” or CVSCA.

Underappreciated Service:
1.1. For too long, the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members have gone unrecognized in the form of fair compensation, adequate mental health care, and housing support.
1.2. Homelessness among veterans remains a critical issue, highlighting the need for enhanced housing programs and wraparound services.
1.3. Mental health support for combat veterans, including those with PTSD and other service-related conditions, is insufficient, leaving many to struggle alone.
Systemic Challenges:
2.1. Current compensation levels for active-duty service members often fall below comparable civilian salaries, leaving many families struggling financially.
2.2. Many benefits for veterans are tied to years of service, creating inequities for combat veterans who face higher risks and sacrifices.

To ensure fair and competitive compensation for all active-duty service members.
To provide comprehensive benefits for all honorably discharged veterans, with special provisions for combat veterans.
To eliminate homelessness among veterans by expanding housing programs and providing permanent supportive housing solutions.
To enhance mental health services and accessibility for veterans, ensuring no one is left behind.

Competitive Pay Increases:
1.1. Active-duty military personnel shall receive a 25% base pay increase to align with equivalent civilian salaries and account for the unique challenges of military service.
1.2. Pay rates shall be reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes.
Housing Allowance Improvements:
1.1. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates shall be increased to fully cover median rental costs in service members’ areas of assignment, eliminating out-of-pocket housing expenses.
Family Support Stipends:
1.1. Active-duty members with dependents shall receive an additional monthly stipend to cover childcare, education, and healthcare expenses.

Automatic Eligibility:
1.1. All honorably discharged combat veterans shall receive full Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, regardless of the number of years served.
1.2. Benefits include, but are not limited to, healthcare, education, housing assistance, and pension benefits.
Streamlined Access:
1.1. Combat veterans shall automatically be enrolled in the VA system upon discharge, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and delays.

Housing Assistance:
1.1. All veterans shall have access to affordable housing programs, including rental assistance, mortgage subsidies, and grants for home modifications to accommodate disabilities.
1.2. A "Veteran Housing First Initiative" shall be established to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans, modeled after successful Housing First programs.
Education and Employment Support:
1.1. Veterans shall receive enhanced GI Bill benefits, covering tuition, living expenses, and vocational training for in-demand careers.
1.2. Employers hiring veterans shall be eligible for expanded tax credits, incentivizing veteran employment.
Healthcare Access:
1.1. Veterans shall receive free, comprehensive healthcare through the VA, including preventative care, mental health services, and specialty treatments.
1.2. The VA shall establish mobile health clinics to reach veterans in rural and underserved areas.

Dedicated Mental Health Services:
1.1. The VA shall establish specialized mental health clinics for combat veterans, staffed with trained counselors and therapists experienced in PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
1.2. Each VA facility shall have a designated "Veteran Mental Health Advocate" to assist veterans in accessing mental health services.
Emergency Mental Health Support:
1.1. A 24/7 veterans’ mental health crisis hotline shall be expanded, with additional funding for staff and outreach programs.
1.2. Suicide prevention programs shall be prioritized, with targeted interventions for high-risk veterans.
Peer Support Networks:
1.1. The VA shall establish regional peer support groups, connecting veterans with others who share similar experiences.
1.2. Peer mentors shall receive training and modest stipends for their service.

Veteran Housing First Initiative:
1.1. A federally funded program shall ensure all homeless veterans are offered permanent supportive housing within 90 days of identification.
1.2. Housing shall include access to on-site case management, mental health care, and employment assistance.
Homelessness Prevention Grants:
1.1. Veterans at risk of eviction or foreclosure shall be eligible for emergency grants to cover rent or mortgage payments.
1.2. Nonprofit organizations supporting homeless veterans shall receive increased funding for shelter operations and supportive services.

Annual Reporting Requirements:
1.1. The Department of Defense (DoD) and VA shall issue annual reports to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of this Act.
1.2. Reports shall include data on veteran homelessness, mental health outcomes, and benefit utilization.
Independent Audits:
1.1. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall conduct biennial audits of all programs established under this Act to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Public Feedback Mechanism:
1.1. Veterans shall have access to a centralized platform for submitting feedback on VA services, with annual summaries provided to Congress.

Budget Allocation:
1.1. This Act shall be funded through a combination of redirected defense spending, increased taxes on corporations with federal contracts, and new appropriations approved by Congress.
Implementation Timeline:
1.1. Pay increases for active-duty service members shall take effect within six months of enactment.
1.2. Housing, mental health, and expanded VA services shall be implemented within two years of enactment.

Effective Date:
1.1. This Act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.
Severability:
1.1. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.