Leonard L. Boswell: “This is a very simple amendment. It clarifies that the Defense suicide prevention programs are a priority and should…”

“This is a very simple amendment. It clarifies that the Defense suicide prevention programs are a priority and should always remain a priority. I am not alone in my concern for the rates of suicide among our servicemembers in the active duty, Guard, and Reserve components. I, like some of the rest of you, have had that experience with my own constituency back in the Iowa Reserve. The Department of Defense has identified large potential savings from improved efficiencies, totaling as much as $100 billion over the next 5 years. Section 8128 directs the Secretary to report to Congress on how it will redirect those savings into priorities of the military departments. However, there is no direction that ensures that the Secretary include existing suicide programs as ``priorities'' for reinvestment from these savings. This amendment simply clarifies that suicide prevention programs-- which already exist and have already been authorized--are a priority and will remain a priority. We must do everything in our power to reduce the suicide rates of our men and women in uniform, and this amendment fulfills that obligation. I yield back the balance of my time. Point of Order”