Sen. Moran Applauds VSOs Letter of Support for S. 785

Statement

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) -- chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC) -- today applauded a letter from four veteran service organizations (VSOs) calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly pass S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act.

Sen. Moran and SVAC Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced this landmark legislation that would bolster the VA's mental health workforce and increase rural or hard-to-reach veterans' access to VA care, while making sure veterans have access to alternative and local treatment options.

"Our four organizations, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars support this comprehensive legislation and urge the House Veterans' Affairs Committee move S. 785 forward expeditiously for passage in the House," the letter reads. "Many of our nation's veterans are struggling with mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic and should not have to wait to get the care they need. Our organizations are counting on Congress to act swiftly and pass, without delay, S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act…"

"Sadly, our veterans continue to struggle with mental health, and through no fault of their own, this pandemic has led to more veterans being isolated from friends and family and cut off from lifesaving services," said Chairman Moran. "Now, more than ever, we need to invest into mental health services for veterans especially for those in hard-to-reach areas in rural America. I appreciate these organizations supporting S. 785 to help pass this legislation in the House and bring life-saving resources to veterans."

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