Marc Molinaro: “Without question, this Nation owes enormous gratitude to the men and women who served and returned home. So many of them…”

“Without question, this Nation owes enormous gratitude to the men and women who served and returned home. So many of them carry with them both physical and mental health injuries as they return home. We are compelled to do more to provide for mental health treatment. My amendment, amendment No. 29, highlights the importance of the Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health's role in assisting veterans across America, those living with intellectual and developmental disability and those living with mental health and substance use disorder challenges. In August 2023 alone, 5.3 million veterans had a service-related disability, and that number, as we know, continues to grow. They are susceptible to debilitating illnesses, including PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. They also remain at high risk of opioid use disorder. Veterans, without question, need our support. Their quality of life depends on access to effective and high-quality medical treatment services, and we must all come together to bolster the VHA's ability to care for our veterans' physical and mental health needs. Whether in rural centers or urban communities, it is necessary to broaden the capacity and response to those veterans living with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities and those addressing mental health and substance use disorders. Mr. Chairman, I certainly thank my colleagues for bringing forth the amendment today.…”