The Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act extends Department of Veterans Affairs counseling and related mental health services to National Guard and Reserve troops who did not deploy to combat areas, instead participating in drug interdiction or fighting national disasters or emergencies, Military.com reports.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Reps. Phil Roe of Tennessee and Neal Dunn of Florida, and Democratic Rep. Mike Levin of California.

“I am concerned that the stress and social isolation caused by COVID-19 could raise that [suicide] number even higher, particularly for Guard members and Reservists who have been activated to deal not only with the pandemic but also with hurricanes, wildfires and more these last several months,”  said Rep. Roe in a statement.

Another new law signed recently was the Veterans’ Care Quality Transparency Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office to assess the effectiveness of VA and non-VA entities related to suicide prevention and mental health services for veterans.

The bill would require assessment and review of all suicide prevention programs.

Photo by U.S. Air National Guard/Airman Cameron Lewis