releases: https://horn.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-horn-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-supporting-veteran-treatment-courts
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://horn.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-horn-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-supporting-veteran-treatment-courts | Rep. Horn Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Veteran Treatment Courts | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | OK | Kendra Horn | H001083 | horn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 698) calling for the expansion of the Veteran Treatment Court Program to help address barriers faced by justice system-involved veterans. Approximately 500 veteran treatment courts in the United States provide additional support and rehabilitation services to veterans currently in or entering the criminal justice system. Oklahoma City's veteran treatment court will open in May of 2020. This past weekend, I hosted a Veterans Town Hall in Oklahoma City, where I heard firsthand from veterans facing mental health challenges connected to their service. When our veterans are struggling, it is our job to help them get back on their feet. said Congresswoman Horn. Veteran treatment courts provide justice-involved veterans with the assistance they need to reintegrate into the community and make a successful return to civilian life. They also provide a one-stop shop linking our veterans with the programs and benefits they have earned through their service. Today's resolution shows bipartisan support for expanding a successful program that has already touched the lives of thousands of American veterans. The President of the Military Officers Association of America Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret.) said about the Veteran Treatment Court Program, As we have witnessed in many states, prioritizing assistance over punitive actions, and working together to get to the root of a veteran's programs, are key to effective rehabilitation, continued care, and better social outcomes. The MOAA has endorsed the resolution. "Veteran Treatment Courts (VTC) are a proven way to offer alternatives to traditional criminal sentences for veterans with legal trouble characteristic of a mental health injury rather than criminality. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has long been a strong supporter of these effective, innovative courts, and they are an accepted part of the justice system in most states," said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. "These courts provide veterans with a second chance, lower recidivism rates and save taxpayers money. IAVA fully supports the expansion of these courts and continued research into increasing their effectiveness." As we continue to tackle the challenges veterans face during their transition and re-integration, providing specialized support to justice-involved veterans remains critical in ensuring they are not disenfranchised from the benefits and services they've earned. Vice President of Vets First, United Spinal Association Danielle Applegate said. Working towards solving the behavioral health and substance abuse plaguing our most vulnerable veteran population is crucial to meeting the promise made to our veterans: to care for those who have borne the battle. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that almost nine percent of veterans and servicemembers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been arrested since returning home. Over half of justice-involved veterans have either a mental health issuefor example, PTSD or depressionor substance abuse disorders like alcoholism or drug addiction. Currently, the Oklahoma County Veteran's Program serves as a diversion program for veterans in the justice system. Extensive coordination between the District Attorney's office, the Public Defender's office, the Veteran Justice Outreach office, and a number of community nonprofits has produced impressive results. The program's resources come purely from donations. Oklahoma County is on track to start their Veteran Treatment Court soon to help veterans who are higher risk and higher need. Original co-sponsors of Congresswoman Horn's resolution supporting veteran treatment courts include House Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Mark Takano (D-CA), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM), Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA), Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), Congressman David Trone (D-MD), Congressman Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), and Congressman Max Rose (D-NY). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |