Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), released the following statements after they introduced the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act, legislation which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand outreach about the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program to ensure that every veteran who could be eligible for VJO is aware of the program.

“VA’s Veteran Justice Outreach program does vitally important work to support veterans who have been arrested or incarcerated and are at-risk,” said Ranking Member Bost. “We must do everything we can to make sure every veteran who can benefit from the program is aware of it. That’s why I am proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Dr. Miller-Meeks, in introducing the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act. This bill will bolster VA’s ability to work with stakeholders in criminal justice communities across the country to deliver veterans the help they need.”

“The VJO program is incredibly important to supporting our veterans, and there is much work to be done to make sure it reaches every veteran it can help. It is no secret that veterans who have ever a had even a limited involvement in our criminal justice system are more likely to experience homelessness, depression, and addiction,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Ensuring our veterans have access to the benefits and services they have earned is a top priority of mine in Congress. I am proud to partner with a fellow veteran, Congressman Bost, to help our veterans access available resources and services.”

To learn more about the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act, click here.

Bill text of the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act can be found here.