[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CLAY HUNT SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR AMERICAN VETERANS ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2015

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my 
support of the bipartisan H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention 
for American Veterans Act. The bill will reiterate our commitment 
towards our courageous veterans who have fought to defend this country. 
Statistics of the Department of Veteran Affairs say an average of 22 
veterans commit suicide every day, meaning that this tragic news occurs 
every 65 minutes. The cases account for 20 percent of suicides in the 
U.S. These brave men and women suffer with Post-Traumatic Stress 
Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other types of mental 
injuries. Mental illness can also lead to other issues, including 
homelessness and substance abuse. The issue is of national importance, 
and more needs to be done. Their well-being deserves our highest 
priority and we have to ensure that their illness is adequately 
addressed. With this legislation, Congress can prevent further 
tragedies and ensure our veterans have the mental health services they 
deserve.

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