Hearing on Suicides Among Veterans
House Veterans' Affairs Committee
December 12, 2007


On Decmeber 12, 2007, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to examine mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The hearing, “Stopping Suicides: Examining the Mental Health Challenges Facing the Department of Veterans Affairs,” focused on how best the VA should address the mental health care needs of returning active duty forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.

The 110th Congress has taken action to reverse the troubling trend. Stearns joined in approving legislation that would ensure treatment for mental health care and would require the VA to develop a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. The Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act became law on November 5, 2007. The following bills supported by Stearns address the health care needs of veterans and are currently pending in Congress:

• H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007;
• H.R. 2874, the Veterans’ Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; and
• H.R. 612, the Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007.

Opening Statement of Congressman Cliff Stearns at the Hearing

Transcript of Comments and Questions of Congressman Cliff Stearns