II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2899 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 22, 2008 Mr. Harkin (for himself, Mr. Feingold, and Mrs. Murray) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on suicides among veterans.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans Suicide Study Act.

2.

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)Suicide among the veteran population is a serious problem. (2)There is lack of information on the number of veterans who die by suicide each year.

3.

Study on suicides among veterans

(a)

Study required

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who died by suicide between January 1, 1997, and the date of the enactment of this Act. (b)

Coordination

In carrying out the study under subsection (a) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with— (1)the Secretary of Defense; (2)Veterans Service Organizations; (3)the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and (4)State public health offices and veterans agencies. (c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the study required under subsection (a) and the findings of the Secretary. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.