WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (PA-07) hailed passage of the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, which contains $4 million in federal funding for veterans treatment courts. This is the first time federal funding has been appropriated for veterans treatment courts - a hybrid of drug and mental health courts that serve veterans struggling with addiction, mental illness, or other conditions. Several local veterans treatment courts have been established in recent years, including in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties.

“Today is a big step forward for our nation’s veterans,” said Meehan. “We know that many of our returning war heroes face difficulty coping with the trauma of the battlefield, and some turn to drugs and alcohol to help cope. Veterans treatment courts ensure that our heroes get the help they need, they deserve federal support. I appreciate the support of Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Fattah, and on behalf of our veterans I’ll keep pushing Congress to see this funding signed into law.”

Meehan led the fight in the House for this funding and introduced legislation, the H.R. 3721, the Servicemember Assistance for Lawful Understanding, Treatment and Education (SALUTE) Act, last year which would make federal funding available for veterans treatment courts. Meehan and Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery testified before the Justice subcommittee and its chairman, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), last month on the importance of veterans treatment courts.

###