World Suicide Prevention Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week.

Unfortunately, in the past several years, we have witnessed an increase in suicides among our Active-Duty members of the Armed Forces and our veterans populations.

Prior to my tenure in Congress, I served nearly three decades addressing the mental health needs of individuals who have suffered life-changing disease and disability. This is an issue I remain passionate about, particularly when addressing the mental health of those who place their lives on the line in serving this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I remain confident this body can do right by our servicemembers and veterans. A part of that is advancing the Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act, which is intended to improve suicide prevention by instituting a mental health assessment for all new military recruits, which will then be used as a baseline throughout their military careers. This was included in the 2016 National Defense Authorization.

Our dedication to this cause is the least we can do for those who have sacrificed so much for their Nation.

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