Mike Bost: “In my debate and the things that I brought up here today, I never said that VSOs didn't have input. I did say the VA did…”

“In my debate and the things that I brought up here today, I never said that VSOs didn't have input. I did say the VA did not come to the committee, and we did not have the proper hearings. If the VA is in support of this bill, I would request that the VA send the documentation saying how they are in support of this bill. Their input would be vitally important. Whether it is a Republican or Democrat administration, the VA is vitally important to make sure they provide services to our constituents and to our veterans. No one on this floor cares more about veterans than the people who serve on this committee--I can guarantee you that--whether it is the chairman or myself. But we have to make sure what we are providing does what it is we are trying to do. It was mentioned earlier that they believe that this would help reduce suicide among transitioning servicemembers. I care deeply about this. This is something that both I and the chairman have worked on and will continue to work on. The majority of veterans who die of suicide have not had meaningful engagement with the VA. They may have been enrolled in the VA, but they haven't gotten the VA care that they need. This bill would add names of eligible separating servicemembers from the VA and put them on the rolls, but it doesn't do the outreach that is necessary to possibly prevent them from that ultimate decision to end their lives.…”