Fostering Intergovernmental Health Transparency in Veteran Suicides Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, since the beginning of this year, seven--seven-- veterans have died by suicide in or on the grounds of VA facilities. Sadly, another suicide occurred at a VA hospital in Washington just this weekend.
Currently, VA staff notify both the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the events as a matter of courtesy; however, should the Department's leadership change, there is no assurance this courtesy would continue.
I have made veteran suicide prevention the top priority for the Committee on Veterans' Affairs because 20 suicides a day is far too many. One suicide is far too many. But to address this alarming trend, Congress must be informed when a suicide occurs on a VA campus and must be provided all relevant data.
This information will allow the committee to conduct appropriate oversight, write legislation that will improve outcomes, and, when necessary, hold individuals accountable when there are clear failures that impact the timely and adequate care for veterans.
As such, H.R. 2340, as amended, the FIGHT Veteran Suicides Act, would require the VA Secretary to notify Congress following an attempted or a completed suicide by a veteran in or on the grounds of a VA facility.
This measure also requires VA to provide Congress with communications guidance to deter the sensationalism of suicide, provide information on identifying the warning signs often exhibited by veterans at risk of suicide, and identify resources offered by the Department for at-risk veterans, including the Veterans Crisis Line and Vet Center readjustment counseling.
It is essential that this information be shared, regardless of leadership at VA, what party controls Congress, or who occupies the White House.
I thank Congressman Rose, a combat veteran, for leading the fight against this tragic national public health crisis, and I want to commend him for his leadership and for writing this important legislation that will ensure Congress has all the data it needs to truly understand and reduce veteran suicide.
I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this bill.
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