A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fostering TRUST Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide notice to Congress regarding veteran suicides or attempted suicides. These incidents must occur in a Department facility or at a Community Care provider facility. The notice must be sent to specific Congressional committees and the representatives of the veteran's district and residence. The Secretary is required to provide specific details about the veteran and the circumstances of the event within certain timeframes. Additionally, the notice must include specific guidance to prevent sensationalism and promote safety.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates specific reporting requirements to Congress regarding suicide incidents at VA facilities.
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill aims to increase transparency and provide life-saving prevention guidance to the veteran community.
- Scored +5
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill mandates the inclusion of suicide warning signs and resources like the Veterans Crisis Line in every notice.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill requires the collection and reporting of sensitive personal data such as sexual orientation and gender identity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency and Information Sharing: The Secretary must provide notice of a suicide or attempted suicide to Congressional committees and local representatives within seven days of the event (Section 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph A). This ensures that officials are aware of these incidents shortly after they occur.
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Detailed Information for Oversight: The bill requires that within 60 days, the Secretary provide specific information such as enrollment status, recent encounter details, and various demographic facts about the veteran (Section 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph B). This information can help officials understand the circumstances surrounding these events.
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Support for Families: The notice must include confirmation that the Secretary has notified the veteran's immediate family members about any Department support or assistance they may be eligible for (Section 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph B, item xiv).
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Public Safety and Prevention Guidance: Every notice must include guidance designed to provide information about warning signs, resources like the Veterans Crisis Line, and best practices for lethal means safety (Section 2, paragraph 3, subparagraphs B, C, and D). This guidance is also designed to deter the sensationalism of suicide (Section 2, paragraph 3, subparagraph A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy and Dignity Concerns: While the bill instructs the Secretary to take steps to respect the privacy and dignity of the veteran and their family, the requirement to collect and report specific personal information—such as marital status, employment status, and sexual orientation—could pose risks to privacy (Section 2, paragraph 1, subparagraph B and paragraph 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill aims to increase transparency and provide life-saving prevention guidance to the veteran community. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill includes the tracking of disability ratings for reporting purposes. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks race and ethnicity to provide better oversight of veteran-specific incidents. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks race and ethnicity to provide better oversight of veteran-specific incidents. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks race and ethnicity to provide better oversight of veteran-specific incidents. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks race and ethnicity to provide better oversight of veteran-specific incidents. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks race and ethnicity to provide better oversight of veteran-specific incidents.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill mandates the inclusion of suicide warning signs and resources like the Veterans Crisis Line in every notice.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill requires notice to families regarding available Department support and assistance following a suicide event.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates specific reporting requirements to Congress regarding suicide incidents at VA facilities. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill requires the collection and reporting of sensitive personal data such as sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill requires the inclusion of the veteran's disability rating in the notice to Congress.
- 6/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/5/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 5/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nikki BudzinskiDemocrat · Illinois
Rosa DeLauroDemocrat · Connecticut
Veronica EscobarDemocrat · Texas
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
John LarsonDemocrat · Connecticut
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Eric SorensenDemocrat · Illinois
Mike ThompsonDemocrat · California