New Bill Proposes Federal Council to Link Gun Violence Victims with Support Services

This legislation, the "Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025," sets up a new federal body called the Advisory Council to Support Victims of Gun Violence. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), its main job is to figure out what victims of gun violence and the professionals helping them actually need, and then connect them with existing resources.

Mapping the Maze: What the Council Will Do

The Council isn't starting from scratch. Its first task, outlined in Section 3, is to survey victims and support professionals to get a real sense of their needs. It will also review current government programs to see what's working and identify best practices. Think of it as creating a central map for navigating the often confusing landscape of support after a traumatic event. This includes everything from medical and mental health care to financial aid, housing, legal help, and job-related issues.

The bill defines "gun violence" broadly – covering everything from suicide and homicide to mass shootings, domestic violence, and even threats. Similarly, a "victim" isn't just someone physically wounded; it includes witnesses, family members, classmates, and coworkers affected by an incident (Sec. 2). The Council, made up of federal agency heads plus 2-5 victims and 2-5 support professionals appointed by the HHS Secretary, is tasked with gathering all this information and making it easily accessible. They plan to share findings online, with Congress, Social Security offices, state agencies, and local prosecutors.

The Practical Side: Funding, Transparency, and Timeline

Here's where the real-world details come in. Section 3 explicitly states that "No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act." This means the Council has to operate using existing agency resources. While the goal is coordination, the lack of dedicated funding raises questions about how much it can realistically achieve. Will agencies have the bandwidth to fully support the Council's work alongside their existing duties?

Another key point is that the Council is exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). FACA typically requires government advisory groups to hold open meetings and maintain public records, promoting transparency. Bypassing FACA might make the Council more nimble, but it could also mean less public visibility into its operations and decision-making. Finally, the Council isn't permanent; it's set to terminate five years after the bill becomes law, suggesting this might be viewed as an initial effort rather than a long-term fixture.

Connecting the Dots for Victims

Ultimately, the goal is to streamline access to help. For someone impacted by gun violence – whether directly injured, a witness, or a grieving family member – finding the right support (medical care, counseling, victim compensation funds, housing aid) can be overwhelming. The Council aims to act as a central hub, identifying effective resources and making sure information on how to access them gets out to the people and communities who need it most. It’s designed to bridge gaps and improve coordination across different government agencies and support systems, compiling best practices and resource lists within 180 days of starting, with a follow-up report in two years.