Support Grows for Rep. Bergman’s Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill
Washington,
August 28, 2019
Washington - Today, Congressman Bergman’s legislation to address Veterans suicide received further public support from the United States Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Robert Wilkie and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe.
“The rising tide of advocates for our legislation, H.R. 3495, the IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act, comes as our nation strives to end the suicide crisis and its impact on Veterans. I want to thank Secretary Wilkie and Ranking Member Roe for providing us even more momentum to push this legislation through Congress,” said Rep. Bergman. This morning, while addressing thousands of Veterans at the 101st American Legion National Convention in Indianapolis, Secretary Wilkie highlighted his support for H.R. 3495. [Listen to the speech HERE] Yesterday, Ranking Member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Dr. Phil Roe, formally requested that Chairman Takano add H.R. 3495 to the agenda for the upcoming legislative hearing on September 11th. Dr. Roe explained, “This would greatly expand the reach of the VA’s suicide prevention programs, enable more at-risk servicemembers and veterans to be identified and supported, and improve coordination among currently disparate resources…” [Read the full letter HERE] “We all share the goal of saving the lives of veterans and I have been encouraged by Secretary Wilkie’s reception of the IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act," said Senator Boozman. "His comments to the American Legion National Convention are another sign of his commitment to work with Congress on reducing Veteran suicides and will rally more support for our legislation. I look forward to continuing the effort to provide help and resources to veterans in crisis." Background:
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