the European deterrence initiative is critical, and I think the more we see the level of threats that are facing our democracy here in the United States...

the demands are greater. And I don't know if we need to do some kind of national initiative led by the military about general health

Engaging our VSOs in crafting legislation that impacts our Veterans is common sense and sets the example for us as Congress to follow.

20 veterans who did not receive the support they needed in a way that could accept, process and apply.

It is this care, compassion and community that must be leveraged by the VA to ensure veterans have access to the support they need while recovering.

These testimonies were difficult to deliver, hard to hear, but integral to the advancement and passage of legislation to address and prevent veteran suicide, the Clay Hunt SAV Act.

The Clay Hunt SAV Act required the VA to look internally at ways to increase access to mental health care for veterans.

I think Representative O'Rourke mentioned it with national service.

I think you having me here and trying to contribute in a small way to this hearing says a lot about you

I look forward to working with him. He has introduced Veterans Wellness Act of 2017, was an active force behind putting this panel together.

The men and women of our districts send us to Washington, DC, to be their voices and not to lose touch with what is going on at home.