Kean Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Veteran Mental Health Services

(September 1, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced legislation alongside Reps. Schrier (WA-08), Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Casten (IL-06), and Cohen (TN-09) that would expand access to Vet Center mental health counseling for veterans and their families across the country. The Veterans Centers-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement (CENTERS) for Mental Health Act of 2026 directs the VA to use census data and the VA's statistical data to ensure every veteran has access to a Vet Center.  

“Veterans sacrifice so much to keep our nation safe and deserve access to quality mental health care close to home,” said Congressman Kean. “Many veterans in New Jersey and across the country are faced with long, sometimes impossible travel to get the help they need. I worked across the aisle to find a solution. This bill, the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, would increase access to mental health facilities and ensure our veterans receive access to the benefits they earned.

“We have a clear responsibility to make sure that those who have served and protected our country receive the best service and care possible. Recent tragedies in Washington state and Veterans mental health crises across our country are stark reminders of why we need to address the Veteran mental health care gap,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “For rural communities in Washington state, Vet Centers are often hours away and understaffed. We need to do more to ensure Veterans have accessible care that works for them. This bill will ensure that Veterans and their families can easily access centers and mental health resources, improving the health of our entire communities and supporting those who have served our country.”

Background:

Vet Centers provide a range of services to veterans and their families, including mental health counseling to combat veterans and those who suffered military sexual assault as well as bereavement services to families of servicemembers who die on duty. Vet Centers’ practice of providing services to families in addition to the affected veterans is also unique in the VA veteran care space. 

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