Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 12, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes a new commemorative flag to recognize and honor the families of veterans who have died by suicide, aiming to provide a symbol of remembrance and support.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to design and designate a "Green Star Service Flag" for the next of kin of veterans who died by suicide on or after September 11, 2001. It defines "next of kin" to include family members as specified in existing law and through VA regulations. The bill also establishes a licensing process for the manufacture and sale of the flag, imposing a civil penalty for unauthorized production.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial and long-overdue symbol of recognition and honor for the families of veterans who have died by suicide, acknowledging their unique grief and the profound service of their loved ones. They contend it helps to destigmatize suicide within the veteran community and offers a tangible way for the nation to show support and remembrance for these families.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is noble, creating a specific flag for suicide deaths could inadvertently draw more attention to the manner of death rather than the veteran's service, potentially causing additional distress or misinterpretation for some families. Some may also raise concerns about the administrative burden and associated costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs to design, designate, and manage the licensing of such a new national symbol.
The bill is exceptionally short and written in clear language, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly and thoroughly.
Section 2(a), adding new section 905 to title 36, United States Code.
Establishment of Green Star Service Flag for Next of Kin of Veterans Deceased as Result of Suicide
This provision mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to design and officially recognize a "Green Star Service Flag." This flag is intended for display by the next of kin of veterans who died by suicide on or after September 11, 2001. The bill also outlines that the Secretary will establish regulations to define "next of kin" beyond immediate family and create a licensing system for the flag's manufacture and sale, with penalties for unauthorized production.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this flag will provide a tangible and enduring symbol of national gratitude and remembrance for families grappling with the profound loss of a veteran to suicide, recognizing their unique sacrifice and grief. It aims to foster a sense of community and support for these families.
Critics contend
Some might argue that while well-intentioned, the creation of a distinct flag for suicide deaths could inadvertently highlight the cause of death in a way that some families might find sensitive or stigmatizing, potentially preferring a broader symbol of veteran loss. Concerns about the administrative overhead for the VA in designing, designating, and managing the licensing process might also be raised.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to honor and support families affected by veteran suicide with the potential sensitivities surrounding the specific cause of death and the administrative practicalities of establishing a new national symbol and its associated regulatory framework.
Defines "next of kin" to include "a family member, as that term is defined in section 1720K of title 38."
Section 2(d)(2)(A)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid re-stating lengthy definitions and maintain consistency across statutes, streamlining administration and avoiding conflicting interpretations.
Case for: Using an existing definition ensures consistency with other VA programs and benefits, streamlining administration and avoiding conflicting interpretations of "family member."
Case against: For a reader unfamiliar with Title 38, the specific scope of "next of kin" is not immediately clear from the bill itself, requiring external research to fully understand eligibility.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the primary beneficiaries of the flag, ensuring a broad but defined group of family members are eligible for recognition.
Defines "covered veteran" as one who died "on or after September 11, 2001."
Section 2(d)(1)(A)
Why it matters:This is a policy choice to limit the scope of the bill, often tied to specific historical events or periods of national significance.
Case for: Proponents would argue that limiting the scope to post-9/11 deaths focuses the recognition on a specific era of service and sacrifice, particularly relevant to ongoing discussions about veteran mental health in the modern military.
Case against: Critics might argue that veteran suicide is a tragic issue across all eras, and limiting the flag to post-9/11 deaths excludes many families who have suffered similar losses from earlier conflicts or peacetime service, potentially creating an unintended disparity in recognition.
Estimated impact: Significantly narrows the population of eligible families compared to a bill without a date restriction, impacting a specific generation of veteran families.