H.R. 1987 — Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025

This section establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs program to provide eligible individuals—veterans and certain former Armed Forces members—with a covered item (i.e., a U.S.-manufactured lockbox compliant with ASTM F2456-20 standards for secure firearm and ammunition storage, not intended for resale), a redeemable voucher, or information on secure firearm storage benefits, including by partnering with expert entities. (As background, secure firearm storage promotes suicide prevention among veterans, who experience elevated suicide rates.) The section further requires (1) annual reports to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees on program operations, items and vouchers distributed and redeemed, outreach to non-enrolled veterans, obstacles, and planned improvements; (2) development and online publication of an informational video on secure storage as a suicide prevention strategy, in consultation with suicide prevention partners; (3) publication of notices that program items are not for resale; and (4) a public education campaign on program availability, clarifying that participation does not affect lawful firearm ownership rights, with authorized collaboration with storage experts. The section authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually for FY2026 through FY2036 to carry out the program, reporting, education, and campaign. It includes a rule of construction confirming the program (1) collects no personally identifiable information for tracking firearm ownership; (2) requires no firearm registration; (3) mandates no storage; (4) does not prohibit firearm purchase, ownership, or possession under 18 U.S.C. §922; (5) does not discourage lawful firearm ownership; and (6) creates no participant list.