Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2256, the Veterans Information Modernization Act. This bill makes positive, bipartisan reforms to the VA, which has become the hallmark of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. We have such a good committee, Mr. Speaker. I am particularly pleased about the inclusion of my bill, H.R. 271, the Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Act, better known as the COVER Act. Last year the Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing regarding veterans' access to the VA's mental health services. At the hearing, we heard from the mothers and fathers of deceased veterans. I remember vividly how hearing their testimony moved me. I can't remember another instance when the Veterans' Affairs Committee room was so quiet and solemn as on that day. Statistics show that one in five veterans who serves in Iraq and Afghanistan has been diagnosed with post- traumatic stress. Now we must responsibly ask ourselves: Are we doing enough when it comes to addressing mental health in our veteran population? Recent data has shown that every day in this country approximately 18 to 22 veterans take their own lives. This statistic answers the question I posed earlier. It is obvious more needs to be done. Far too often we have heard of situations in which our veterans are being overprescribed opioids and antipsychotics.…”