No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act

# No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act – Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to actively work to reschedule mental health appointments when veterans cancel them. Currently, if a veteran cancels a mental health appointment, the VA may simply remove them from the schedule without attempting to get them back in for care. This bill aims to change that practice by making it mandatory for the VA to reach out and try to book a new appointment. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill primarily affects veterans receiving mental health services through the VA system.

The intent is to address a potential gap in care—recognizing that veterans who cancel appointments might face barriers to rescheduling themselves or may benefit from follow-up outreach. By requiring the VA to take the initiative, the bill seeks to prevent veterans from falling out of the mental health care system due to missed or canceled appointments. **Current Status** The bill (HR 2229) is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin).