[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H6079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING THE ARMED FORCES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AWARENESS ACT AND THE 
         VETERANS AND SURVIVORS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AWARENESS ACT

  (Ms. GIFFORDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, a couple weeks ago our Nation celebrated 
Memorial Day, a day to give tribute to the men and women who have given 
their lives for our country. But I think it's important for those of us 
who serve in the Congress to realize that we, on a regular basis, have 
to do everything we can to protect and defend those who protect and 
defend us.
  Later today I will be introducing the Armed Forces Behavioral Health 
Awareness Act as well as the Veterans and Survivors Behavioral Health 
Awareness Act with Congressman Akin. These bills represent a strong 
bipartisan commitment to expanding and protecting access to mental 
health treatment and services for our active duty and retired military. 
These bills will provide all servicemembers with equal access to 
readjustment counseling and mental health services at Vet Centers. We 
will provide dedicated funding for nonprofits supporting military 
families and create a program for proactive mental health outreach to 
soldiers. We will also provide a program for Vet Centers aimed at 
growing the number of mental health trainers as well as providers.
  These bills will dramatically expand our ability to provide mental 
health coverage to our warriors who are doing so much for all of us 
both here at home and abroad.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in moving these bills toward 
swift passage.

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