13 News Now: Lawmakers introduce host of bills to help veterans, hopefully lower suicides

Jun 22, 2023
In the News
Veterans' Issues

13 NEWS NOW, MIKE GOODING

More than 6,100 veterans died by suicide according to the most recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report.

That’s the lowest it’s been since 2006.

Still, veteran advocacy groups have repeatedly said that one veteran’s suicide is one too many.

“It is a complex problem that needs a multi-faceted solution. We as a society need to do better,” said Tiffany Ellett, Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation for The American Legion, testifying this week before the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

That panel this week is working its way through dozens of proposed bills.

One of them, the “Psychedelic Therapies to Save Lives Act of 2023,” would create a $75 million grant program to support research into therapeutic treatment for PTSD.

“Those who risked their lives in defense of our country deserve positive and fulfilling lives and the federal government has the responsibility of assisting them in their endeavors,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Michigan).

Another group of veterans who need help is military firefighters.

The VA does not grant an automatic presumption of service-connected disability to military firefighter veterans suffering from a variety of cancers and does not cover treatment costs.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s (D-Virginia, 7th District) “Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act” would change that.

“Our bill would finally recognize the connection between the occupational hazards military firefighters face and these deadly diseases,” she said.

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia, 2nd District) has introduced the “Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act.” It would increase mental health resources for caregivers of America’s veterans.

In a news release, she said: “I introduced the COPE Act to enhance mental health resources for veteran caregivers. By ensuring these men and women can properly take care of themselves, this bill will improve the lives of our nation’s heroes and solidify the support system they need to age with dignity.”

All this legislative activity is taking place in June, which is Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month.

Recent Posts


Oct 3, 2024
Veterans' Issues

President Signs Into Law Spanberger-Backed Bill to Cut Red Tape for Veterans Joining the Trucking Workforce

The “Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act” Would Cut Red Tape for CDL Schools & the Veterans They Serve WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Biden this week signed into law bipartisan legislation U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger helped lead to cut red tape for Veterans looking to use their GI benefits to pay for commercial driver’s license […]



Oct 2, 2024
Press

Spanberger Grateful for FEMA Disaster Assistance for Virginia to Recover from Hurricane Helene, Urges Congress to Pass Emergency Appropriations Package to “Meet Any Unmet Needs”

Congresswoman: “Virginia’s Families And Businesses Will Need Additional Support As The Full Extent Of The Devastation Becomes Clear” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after President Biden granted additional federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Congresswoman also urged congressional […]



Oct 1, 2024
Press

Spanberger, Wittman Lead Bipartisan Effort to Increase Military Leave for Federal Employees Serving in the National Guard, Reserves

The “Supporting Federal Employees in the National Guard & Reserves Act” is Endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, American Federation of Government Employees, & Reserve Organization of America WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to increase military leave […]