Bill > HR376

This resolution addresses the critical issue of veteran suicides by urging the President and Congress to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive and accurate data for suicide prevention strategies. The resolution highlights that the VA's 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report showed 17 veteran suicides per day, down from a previous estimate of 22, but notes significant data limitations. Specifically, the report excluded suicides among National Guard and Reserve veterans who did not meet certain service criteria, despite these service members constituting 45% of forces deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The resolution argues that this exclusion artificially lowers the suicide toll and limits research opportunities to understand risk factors, particularly for veterans with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is calling for the VA to include comprehensive data on National Guard and Reserve veterans in its annual report, pass legislation to enhance suicide prevention efforts, and ultimately honor the sacrifices of all who have served by providing a more accurate and inclusive approach to understanding veteran suicide rates.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr376