[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         CLAY HUNT SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR AMERICAN VETERANS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2014

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as our nation continues to welcome home 
a new generation of veterans from the battlefield, it is vital that we 
address the challenges faced by these men and women. The effects of 
combat are not always left behind for our soldiers, and the transition 
into civilian life all too often is not an easy one.
  Right now, our nation is struggling to combat the impact of PTSD on 
veterans, and statistics from the VA show that each day 22 American 
veterans take their own life. This epidemic must be dealt with--the 
lives of those who protected our freedoms are on the line.
  This week, the House passed legislation named after Clay Hunt, a 
Marine veteran who, after working as an activist drawing attention to 
the struggles of returning veterans, took his life at the age of just 
28.
  The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will take 
meaningful steps to ensure veterans like Clay have the resources and 
treatment they need when they return home. That means increasing access 
to, boosting accountability for and removing the stigma of potentially-
life saving mental health care.
  I stand in support of this legislation with my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle. I also stand with veterans' advocacy organizations 
across America--including the Travis Manion Foundation, based in my 
district--who work daily to engage and empower veterans and their 
families throughout their individual journeys.
  This week, the Travis Manion Foundation will recognize veteran Jake 
Wood with the group's annual `If Not Me, The Who Award' for his work to 
support military veterans upon their return home. This is not the first 
time the Travis Manion Foundation has recognized Jake--back in 2010, 
the group gave a fellowship to `Mission Continues' and `Team Rubicon', 
organizations Jake was involved with alongside Clay Hunt. Together, 
Jake and Clay performed over 500 service hours in humanitarian support 
with other veterans.
  It is fitting that we recognize Jake at this time as we honor Clay 
with the passing of this bill. The time is now for Senate and president 
must act on the `Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans 
Act'.
  Twenty-two lives lost a day are too many. One is too many. Let's work 
together--Congress, advocacy groups, and veterans--to put an end to the 
epidemic of veteran suicide.

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