Senate votes unanimously to pass Clay Hunt SAV Act
Feb. 3, 2015 -- A bill
introduced to help prevent suicide by U.S. military veterans passed in the
Senate Tuesday with a unanimous vote of 99-0.
The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, named after Marine veteran Clay Hunt, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who took his own life in 2011, will now be sent to President Obama’s desk for final signature.
“This is a tremendous day for our community,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO and founder Paul Rieckhoff. “For too long, the crisis of veteran suicide has been hidden in the shadows. This bill gives many veterans the new hope they so desperately need, and demonstrates that our leaders are willing to give veterans the care they deserve.”
The bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. John McCain and had a total of 53 cosponsors.
“I am proud that the Senate voted today to enhance the care we provide our men and women in uniform,” said McCain. “Our nation has much work still to do to fulfill its responsibilities for our veterans, and this bill is an important step in improving life-saving mental health care services for the men and women who have served and sacrificed.”
The bill calls for an increase to access of mental health care and capacity at VA to meet demand, improves the quality of care and boosts accountability at VA, and develops a community support system for veterans.
The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, named after Marine veteran Clay Hunt, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who took his own life in 2011, will now be sent to President Obama’s desk for final signature.
“This is a tremendous day for our community,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO and founder Paul Rieckhoff. “For too long, the crisis of veteran suicide has been hidden in the shadows. This bill gives many veterans the new hope they so desperately need, and demonstrates that our leaders are willing to give veterans the care they deserve.”
The bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. John McCain and had a total of 53 cosponsors.
“I am proud that the Senate voted today to enhance the care we provide our men and women in uniform,” said McCain. “Our nation has much work still to do to fulfill its responsibilities for our veterans, and this bill is an important step in improving life-saving mental health care services for the men and women who have served and sacrificed.”
The bill calls for an increase to access of mental health care and capacity at VA to meet demand, improves the quality of care and boosts accountability at VA, and develops a community support system for veterans.