Fostering Intergovernmental Health Transparency in Veteran Suicides Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2340, as amended, the FIGHT Veteran Suicides Act.

This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to report to the local congressional delegation, as well as to the committee, whenever a veteran attempts or dies by suicide in or on the grounds of a VA facility.

We have all heard the heartbreaking stories of veterans who have died by suicide on VA campuses, including five veteran suicide deaths in the last several weeks alone. There is no indication that these events represent an increase in the rate of suicide among servicemembers and veterans, but they are particularly poignant because they occur so close to help and appear to be an indictment on the healthcare system that was created to support them.

To be clear, suicide is a national public health crisis that is not unique to VA, the military, or veterans. However, we must pay careful attention to the incidents of suicide among those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf and do everything we can to point those in crisis to the resources they need to recover from the traumas and live long, full, healthy lives.

I am grateful to Congressman Max Rose from New York for sponsoring this bill, which will allow us to learn all we can about the suicides that occur on VA campuses so that we can take action that may save other lives in the future.

I encourage all Members to support this much-needed piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source