A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 17 co-sponsors

Urges Congress and agencies to prioritize research and invest in non-technology mental-health treatments for military trauma affecting servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

referred to Committee on Government Operations

Summary — H.R. 217 (House Resolution)

Title: A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service
Classification: Resolution (non‑binding)
Status: Referred to Committee on Government Operations (most recent referral recorded 2025-11-12)
Introduced: 2025-01-07 (introduced in the Michigan House; also filed in other jurisdictions with the same number)

Purpose

The resolution urges federal decision‑makers to prioritize research, program development, and investment in non‑technology (non‑device) treatment options for servicemembers, veterans, and their families who experience psychological trauma related to military service. It seeks to increase attention to, and adoption of, alternatives or complements to conventional medical/technological interventions.

Key provisions

Formally urges the United States Congress, the Department of War (language used in the resolution; contemporary intent is to address the federal defense establishment), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to:

Prioritize research into non‑technology mental health interventions for military‑related psychological trauma.
Invest in programs expanding access to such interventions.

Identifies promising non‑technology approaches as examples (not an exhaustive list):

Peer support / “buddy‑to‑buddy” programs
Outdoor / nature‑based therapy
Controlled use of psychedelics in clinical settings
Easier access to service and companion animals
Family‑support services and programs to help relatives assist affected servicemembers/veterans

Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to federal leaders and relevant committees: Speaker of the U.S. House, President of the U.S. Senate, Chairs and Ranking Members of the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, the U.S. Secretary of War (as named), the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the state’s congressional delegation.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: servicemembers, veterans, and their families living with psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, depression, TBI‑related behavioral health issues).

Secondary: federal agencies (VA, Department of Defense), Congress (committees that set research and funding priorities), and community/peer organizations that could deliver or partner on such programs.

Procedural and legal effect

As a resolution, this is non‑binding and does not by itself authorize spending, change law, or create programs. Instead it expresses the sentiment of the legislative body and requests that federal bodies prioritize and consider these approaches.

Current status: referred to the Committee on Government Operations for consideration; if advanced, it could lead to additional state or federal advocacy, hearings, or legislative proposals that carry funding or statutory effect.

Potential impact

Raises awareness and political pressure to expand research and programmatic trials of non‑technology treatments for military trauma.

Could spur federal and private research funding, pilot programs, or changes in VA/DoD clinical guidance if taken up by Congress or agencies.

Does not guarantee funding or program creation; actual impacts depend on subsequent federal action.