H.R. 6961Dignity for MST Survivors Act

1 recorded action234 of these members are on the 2026 ballotWhat the measure does Read on Congress.gov

Sponsor: Frank J. Mrvan [D-IN-01]
Cosponsors: 4 · 4 Democrats
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Committee: Veterans' Affairs Committee
Latest action: Dec 27, 2022 · Became Public Law No: 117-300.

IntroducedMar 7, 2022
Passed the HouseMay 18, 2022
Passed the SenateDec 19, 2022
Sent to the PresidentDec 23, 2022
Became lawDec 27, 2022

What the measure doesCRS summary

This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, describing H.R. 6961 as public Law on Dec 27, 2022. It is not the text of the measure; a later amendment may have changed what it does.

How every member votedHouse roll call 216

House May 18, 2022

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals regarding claims involving military sexual trauma

Passed · Two-thirds required

405 Yea 12 Nay 11 not voting

Crossed both parties 12 of 417 voting members broke with their own party: 12 Republicans.

Open the official roll call

How the chamber split

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DemocratsRepublicansFilled: YeaRing: NayGrey: not voting or present

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All members428 members

Democratic220 members

Republican208 members

marks half of the votes cast. A party’s majority is the side most of its voting members took.

Cosponsors4 · 4 Democrats

Signing on is not a vote: a member can cosponsor H.R. 6961 and vote against it. 0 signed when it was filed.

DLauren Underwood [D-IL-14]Joined Mar 8, 20222026 profile

DDavid Trone [D-MD-06]Joined Mar 9, 2022

DChris Pappas [D-NH-01]Joined Mar 21, 2022

DMike Levin [D-CA-49]Joined Mar 28, 20222026 profile

Loading the public record

H.R. 6961Dignity for MST Survivors Act

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 216

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors4 · 4 Democrats

H.R. 6961Dignity for MST Survivors Act

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 216

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors4 · 4 Democrats

Who lobbied on H.R. 69612 organizations

Who lobbied on H.R. 69612 organizations