PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Dec 4, 2023
Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act or the COPE Act
This bill addresses various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issues, including the family caregiver program and VA facility security.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the VA to award grants to implement, coordinate, improve, or enhance mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program.
The bill also authorizes the VA to make contributions to local authorities to mitigate the risk of flooding on local property adjacent to VA medical facilities.
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans.
The bill also requires the VA to annually survey its police chiefs, facility emergency management leaders, facility directors, or individuals acting in such a capacity to collect information regarding security at VA facilities.
Finally, the bill extends certain loan fee rates through March 12, 2032, under the VA's home loan program.
People & committees
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A [R-VA-2] · R–VA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6103-6104)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6103-6104)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3581.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6103-6105)
Mr. Bergman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 201.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 118-251.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 118-251.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: May 27, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.3581 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.3581 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.3581 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.3581 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.