Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to help introduce H.R. 5059,
the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act with
Chairman Jeff Miller and Representative Tim Walz.

This bipartisan bill, named after 28-year-old Marine Veteran Clay
Hunt, who tragically took his own life in March 2011, will reduce the
barriers that prevent our Veterans from receiving quality mental health
care.

It is a heartbreaking reality that twenty-two Veterans take their own
lives each day. These are all casualties of war. As a nation, we are
failing these brave men and women.

This legislation will task an independent, third party to annually
review mental health care and suicide prevention programs and make
recommendations on how to improve care. The bill also requires the VA
to create a centralized source of information for all mental health
services for Veterans. It will also address the shortage of mental
health care professionals in order to ensure access to care as demand
increases. Finally, through a pilot program, Veterans will receive
reintegration assistance directly from the communities in which they
live, fostering a smoother and more inclusive transition to life after
the uniform.

Just as these Veterans remained faithful to our country on the
battlefield, it is our turn as their Representatives to remain faithful
to them. When our service men and women make the brave decision to seek
help, we must ensure that they can get the quality assistance and
treatment they deserve in a timely manner.

I urge all of the Members to support this legislation so that we can
begin to turn the tide against suicide.

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