Michaud Praises New Presidential Condolence Letter Policy

Statement

Today, Congressman Mike Michaud, the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, praised reports that the White House is ending the policy of not sending condolence letters from the president to the families of service members who commit suicide while deployed. Michaud introduced a resolution last year along with Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana) that called on the president to overturn the policy.

"Mainers have written to me concerned about this policy, and I'm glad it's being reversed," said Michaud. "Every family that loses a loved one in service to our country deserves a letter of condolence from their president. This policy change is very welcome news."

Michaud has worked with his colleagues on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee over the years to raise awareness of suicide among veterans and service members. In 2007, Michaud helped pass a bill into law that required the VA Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Michaud has also pushed to require the Department of Defense to conduct mandatory, face-to-face, and confidential mental health and traumatic brain injury screenings for each member of the Armed Forces.

"Suicide rates remain unacceptably high among active duty service members and our veterans," said Michaud. "Many of our brave men and women who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. With proper screening and treatment, the warning signs of suicide can be caught and proper treatment can be ordered. It's critical that our nation continues to do everything possible to reduce the incidents of suicide among those that serve."

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