Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Leonard Boswell introduced legislation that will direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study on the rate of suicide among our nation’s veterans. H.R. 4204, the Veterans Suicide Study Act, would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to focus the study on the veteran population from 1997 to present and report back to Congress in 180 days.
“Some are calling this an epidemic,” said Boswell. “We must have adequate information so we may treat our veterans as they return from combat. We can no longer be afraid to look at the facts.”
Earlier this week, CBS Evening News ran a story focusing on veteran’s suicide and reported that in 2005, over 6,200 veterans committed suicide—120 per week. The report also found that veterans were twice as likely to commit suicide as non-veterans. Additionally, veterans aged 20 through 24 who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, had the highest rate of suicide among all veterans.
While the VA acknowledges the seriousness of the problem, they lack sufficient information. CBS News received their figures from forty five states individually.
On November 5, the President signed into law the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which Boswell authored.
“While the Joshua Omvig bill puts in place a comprehensive approach in treating high-risk veterans, we still need to know all the facts, and not second guess,” added Boswell. “Our veterans have dedicated their lives to keep our great nation secure. It is now time to protect them.”
H.R.4204 has 25 original co-sponsors.
“We must ensure a vibrant and sound economy for Iowa through fiscal responsibility and sound public policy.”