[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING H.R. 8371, ELIZABETH DOLE 21ST CENTURY VETERANS HEALTHCARE 
                      AND BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 19, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, every day, we lose an average of 17 
veterans to suicide. This statistic is not just a number; it represents 
real lives, families, and communities torn apart by tragedy. Behind 
each of these 17 daily losses is a story of service, sacrifice, and 
struggle. These are our neighbors, friends, and family members who have 
worn the uniform with pride and honor. They are mothers and fathers, 
sons and daughters, whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void in 
countless lives. The ripple effect of each suicide extends far beyond 
the individual, impacting spouses, children, parents, friends, and 
fellow veterans. It creates a cycle of grief and trauma that can 
persist for generations.
  As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to address this 
heartbreaking reality with the urgency and dedication it demands. 
Answering the call of duty to our veterans, I was proud to work with 
Senate Veterans Affair Committee Chairman Jon Tester to put forward 
H.R. 4157, Not Just a Number Act, legislation included in this Veterans 
omnibus package as Section 149 that would require the Department of 
Veterans Affairs to expand its scope when studying veteran suicide 
data. Instead of focusing solely on VA health care utilization, this 
bill mandates a more holistic approach, considering factors such as 
education, job training, housing, and other relevant socioeconomic 
factors. By broadening our perspective, we aim to gain a more 
comprehensive understanding of the complex, interconnected factors that 
contribute to veteran suicide. This approach will paint a more accurate 
picture of the multifaceted challenges our veterans face, enabling us 
to develop more effective support systems and interventions.
  While the Not Just a Number Act is a crucial step forward, we must 
recognize that addressing veteran suicide is an ongoing commitment. 
This bill lays the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding, 
but our work will not end with its passage. We must be prepared to 
adapt our strategies based on the insights gained and continuously 
improve our support systems. This is merely the beginning of a long-
term mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of our veterans.
  We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never truly be 
repaid. It is our responsibility to ensure that they feel our 
unwavering support and appreciation every single day. Let us honor our 
troops not just in words, but in our actions, by standing alongside 
them and their families. Together, let us ensure that they feel the 
depth of our appreciation and support at every step of their journey. I 
urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this critical 
legislation. By passing the Not Just a Number Act as Section 149 of the 
Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits 
Improvement Act, we demonstrate our commitment to those who have served 
our nation and do everything in our power to prevent veteran suicide. 
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, please call the Veterans 
Crisis Line at 988 and Press 1, or text 838255. Help is available 24/7, 
and you don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to 
connect with caring, qualified responders.

                          ____________________