Boehner Commends Senate Passage of Bill to Prevent Veteran Suicides

Statement

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the Senate passed H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (Clay Hunt SAV Act):

"Our veterans risk their lives defending the values this country stands for. When they return, it is often the unseen scars of war that are the hardest to deal with and take the longest to heal. Tragically, veteran suicides are occurring at a rate of 22 per day.

"The bill passed by the Senate today was named in honor of Marine veteran Clay Hunt. Like many of our veterans, Clay suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and despite working to address PTSD head on, was faced with inadequate resources and care. Our heroes deserve far better when they return home. The Clay Hunt SAV Act will increase access to crucial mental health care and resources for our veterans to help them overcome the psychological struggles of war. I commend Clay's parents and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their hard work in moving this bill forward, and we look forward to sending it to the president's desk for his signature."

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