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H.R. 6961: Dignity for MST Survivors Act

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H.R. 6961: Dignity for MST Survivors Act

117th Congress · introduced 2022-03-07 · Armed Forces and National Security · Latest: Became Public Law No: 117-300.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2022-03-07 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 216 (2022): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, HR6961 (2022-05-18), Passed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 117-300. (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

Plain 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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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The strongest published arguments

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1] · 4 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mike Levin (D-CA)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1] reported raising $3.0 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

Sources

Record fed-us-cong117-hr6961 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong117 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong117