Congressman Jack Bergman testified at the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs “Member Day Hearing” in support of his legislation H.R. 3495, The IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act, and asked that Chairman Takano work with him to advance committee consideration of the bill.
This bill has recently seen a groundswell of support. As of today, Rep. Bergman’s legislation has nearly 50 bipartisan cosponsors, has publicly received the full support of VA Secretary Wilkie, and formal endorsements from national VSO’s.
During today’s testimony Rep. Bergman stated, “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to testify before you all today in support of legislation introduced by myself and fellow Veteran, Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania. Bergman continued, “Our bill, H.R. 3495 the IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act, proposes a grant program for the Department of Veterans Affairs to make real strides in the fight to end the Veteran suicide crisis plaguing our nation. We have worked diligently to grow bipartisan support for this bill in the House, as well as in the Senate, where Senator Boozman and Senator Warner proposed this policy. I urge the Committee to take up this legislation as a next step in our work to end Veteran suicide.”
Rep. Bergman noted, “Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Despite record spending on mental health services at the VA, over 20 Veterans a day still take their own lives. Of these 20 veterans, 70% were not in contact with the VA care system. I appreciate Chairman Takano’s commitment to working with us on this bipartisan initiative as we seek to ensure the VA can reach more at-risk Veterans.”
Rep. Bergman’s testimony in its entirety can be heard HERE.
