Senators Introduce Post Traumatic Stress Resolution

Statement

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced a resolution designating the month of June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day.

"The wounds of war inflicted upon our brave men and women in uniform are not always visible," said Senator Sullivan. "Thousands of our returning service members continue to face the traumatic situations they've experienced in a warzone, as well as the stigma too often associated with mental illness. These struggles can impact a veteran's ability to work, transition into civilian life and support a family. For their courage and sacrifice, America's veterans should be given the support and understanding of their fellow citizens, and our unyielding resolve to provide effective treatment for post-traumatic stress and ensure veterans can achieve the physical, mental and emotional wellness they deserve."

"Countless war fighters return home with invisible wounds like post-traumatic stress that may be severely painful and even disabling," Senator Blumenthal said. "These heroes should know they are not alone--the nation stands with them. It's okay to talk about such struggles with inner demons. It's okay to seek help. What's not okay is failing to provide the help they need and deserve. During this Post Traumatic Stress Awareness Month, we recommit to ending the stigma, enhancing education, and expanding resources. We resolve to keep faith with all who are wounded when they serve, and redouble our action."

"North Carolina is home to nearly one million veterans, and that population is growing every day," said Senator Tillis. "Unfortunately, we have not even begun to get a handle on the mental health needs of the many brave men and women who have served our nation. It is vital that Congress continue to work in a bipartisan basis to make sure that our veterans and servicemembers, including the National Guard and Reserve, have access to support and health care services they need and deserve."

"Our veterans and their families are facing many difficult challenges including post-traumatic stress," said Senator Baldwin. "We must work together to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress, destigmatize seeking access to mental health care and provide the necessary support to our veterans and their families."

Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Pat Leahy (D-VT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) also signed on as cosponsors of the resolution.