On the recordJune 23, 2022
After hearing from my constituent whose veteran spouse tragically died by suicide, and learning of the obstacles they faced when trying to receive critical mental health support for themselves and their children following his death, I introduced a bill to ensure veteran families struggling from such a loss have access to the support they need and deserve. My legislative language, included in this bill before us today, the STRONG Veterans Act, expands Vet Center eligibility for counseling and mental health services to families of servicemembers or veterans who died by suicide. This expansion of services is necessary so that these families can receive the critical mental health support needed to help them heal and move forward. We all know that grief can be extremely isolating, and the families of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide should not have to worry about enduring this difficult journey alone. Our military families who support a loved one who is serving, or has served, make a tremendous sacrifice for our country, as well. We must ensure they have access to the care that they deserve and the help that they need when trying to move forward after a suicide has devastated them and their family. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for working with me to include this very important piece of legislation in this package, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.
