Political Quotes

“I was proud to help introduce H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act with Chairman Jeff Miller and Representative Tim Walz. This bipartisan bill, named after 28-year-old Marine Veteran Clay Hunt, who tragically took his own life in March 2011, will reduce the barriers that prevent our Veterans from receiving quality mental health care. It is a heartbreaking reality that twenty-two Veterans take their own lives each day. These are all casualties of war. As a nation, we are failing these brave men and women. This legislation will task an independent, third party to annually review mental health care and suicide prevention programs and make recommendations on how to improve care. The bill also requires the VA to create a centralized source of information for all mental health services for Veterans. It will also address the shortage of mental health care professionals in order to ensure access to care as demand increases. Finally, through a pilot program, Veterans will receive reintegration assistance directly from the communities in which they live, fostering a smoother and more inclusive transition to life after the uniform. Just as these Veterans remained faithful to our country on the battlefield, it is our turn as their Representatives to remain faithful to them.…”