H.R. 4601 would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to state and tribal governments for outreach and assistance to veterans and their families. State and tribal governments may use the grant funds to ensure individuals are aware of benefits they may be entitled to, and to help veterans and their families apply for VA benefits. The bill would require VA to follow certain guidelines when awarding grants to state and tribal governments, such as prioritizing grants to entities in areas with high rates of suicide among veterans or areas with a shortage of veterans service officers. Veterans service officers are people who help veterans and their families apply for veterans benefits and services. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $50 million in each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 and authorize VA to hire additional personnel to accredit veterans service officers. Based on VA’s administration of other grant programs to state and tribal governments, CBO estimates providing grants under the bill would cost $161 million.
