Senate Approves Bill To Address Increased Rates of PTSD, Suicide Among Veterans
The Senate on Tuesday by voice vote passed a bill (S 2162) that seeks to address increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans, CQ Today reports. The Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 would expand research and health care facilities for veterans who have PTSD, substance abuse problems and chronic pain. In addition, the legislation would extend mental health resources to the family members of veterans; provide assistance for low-income veterans and those who live in rural areas; and require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a full review of mental health services offered to veterans.
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), who sponsored the bill, said, "For too many veterans, returning home from battle will not bring an end to conflict," adding, "Invisible wounds are complicated and wide ranging, and our solutions must rise to the challenge" (Rogin, CQ Today, 6/3).
