Fostering TRUST Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Nikki Budzinski and 8 co-sponsors

The bill requires VA to notify Congress of any veteran suicide or attempted suicide that occurs in a VA facility or Community Care provider site.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 9018 (Session 119)

Purpose and intent

HR 9018 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide to Congress notice of any suicide or attempted suicide involving a veteran that occurs in a VA facility or at a Community Care provider site. The bill aims to ensure Congress is promptly informed about such critical incidents to support oversight, accountability, and potential policy responses related to veteran mental health care and safety across VA-operated and community-based care settings.

Key provisions and changes

Notification obligation: The primary requirement is for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress of any suicide or attempted suicide by a veteran that occurs within:

a VA facility, or
a Community Care provider facility (i.e., non-VA facilities that deliver care to veterans under VA Community Care programs).

Scope of notice: The notification would cover incidents occurring in facilities where veterans receive care, regardless of whether the care was furnished directly by VA or through Community Care arrangements.

Substantive focus: By mandating timely reporting, the bill emphasizes heightened accountability and data collection around veteran suicide and self-harm incidents in care settings.

Who/what is affected

Veterans receiving care: Specifically those who experience suicide or attempted suicide in care settings.

VA facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and other VA-operated places where veterans receive treatment.

Community Care providers: Non-VA facilities under VA Community Care arrangements that serve veterans.

Congress: Receives formal notifications to inform oversight, policy discussions, and potential legislative actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (May 22, 2026). This sets the stage for committee consideration, potential amendments, and a fuller supervisory review.

No stated reporting timeline: The summary provided does not specify exact timeframes (e.g., notification within 24 hours or 7 days). If enacted, the implementing regulations or committee reports would clarify any timing requirements for when notices must be provided.

Potential impacts and considerations

Oversight enhancement: Improved visibility into critical incidents could inform VA safety protocols, suicide prevention strategies, and care coordination between VA and Community Care providers.

Data and transparency: Regular congressional notification may lead to more robust data on where and why such incidents occur, potentially driving policy or funding adjustments.

Privacy and incident definitions: The bill would need to define what constitutes a reportable “suicide or attempted suicide” event and address privacy considerations for veterans and providers.

Context and notable details from the bill’s introduction

Sponsorship: The bill has multiple co-sponsors from both parties, including Gwen Moore, Mike Thompson, Rosa DeLauro, Eric Sorensen, and others, signaling bipartisan interest in federal oversight of veteran care safety incidents.

Legislative status: As of the actions listed, HR 9018 has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and awaits committee discussion and potential passage.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policy analysts, veterans advocacy groups) or compare it to existing VA reporting requirements to provide additional context.