November 12, 2025
Mr. Bresnahan (for himself and Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 36, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a flag for next of kin of veterans who die by suicide.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act
.
Sec. 2. Green Star Service Flag for next of kin of veterans deceased as result of suicide
(a) Green Star Service Flag
Chapter 9 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
905. Green Star Service Flag
(a) Designation
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall design and designate a flag as the Green Star Service Flag to identify next of kin of covered veterans.
(b) Individuals entitled To display Green Star Service Flag
An individual who is next of kin of a covered veteran may display the Green Star Service Flag.
(c) License To manufacture and sell
Any person may apply to the Secretary for a license to manufacture and sell the designated Green Star Service Flag. A person that manufactures a Green Star Service Flag without having first obtained a license or otherwise violates this section is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term
covered veteranmeans a veteran who died—(A)
on or after September 11, 2001; and
(B)
as the result of suicide.
(2)
The term
next of kinincludes—(A)
a family member, as that term is defined in section 1720K of title 38; and
(B)
any individual specified by the Secretary in regulations prescribed pursuant to this section.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: