New Federal Council Proposed to Centralize Resources for Gun Violence Victims; Operates Without New Funding

This bill, the 'Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025,' proposes creating a new federal body called the Advisory Council to Support Victims of Gun Violence. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this council would bring together heads of major federal agencies (like Justice, Education, HUD, VA), along with 2-5 actual victims of gun violence and 2-5 professionals who assist them, appointed by the HHS Secretary. The main goal, according to Section 3, is to figure out what victims need and coordinate existing resources to help them navigate the aftermath of gun violence, which the bill defines broadly to include everything from mass shootings and homicides to suicides, domestic violence involving firearms, and even witnessing or being threatened by gun violence.

Mapping the Maze of Support

The council's job description is pretty extensive. According to Section 3, it's tasked with surveying victims and the people who help them (like social workers or medical staff) to understand their challenges. It will also review existing government programs and research to pinpoint what actually works. A key function is to identify and share information about resources covering a wide range of needs – medical care, financial aid, housing, mental health services, legal help, job support, transportation, and accessing government programs. Think of it as trying to create a better roadmap for someone dealing with trauma and loss, pointing them to potential federal, state, or nonprofit help. The definition of 'victim' in Section 2 is notable for its breadth, covering not just those physically injured but also witnesses, relatives, classmates, and coworkers, acknowledging the wide ripple effect of gun violence.

The Practical Hurdles: Funding and Transparency

While the goal is coordination, Section 3 includes two significant operational details. First, the bill states that 'No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated' to run the council. This means the participating agencies will need to pull resources from their existing budgets, which could impact how much the council can realistically achieve. Second, the council is specifically exempted from Chapter 10 of Title 5, United States Code – that's the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). FACA typically requires government advisory groups to follow rules about open meetings, public notice, and record-keeping to ensure transparency. Exempting this council means it will operate with fewer public oversight requirements than standard advisory committees. The council is set to operate for five years before terminating and must produce reports detailing its findings and recommendations within 180 days and again within two years.