On February 2, 2015 Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky asked for and was granted permission to address the United States Senate regarding veteran suicides. More specifically the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act:
” The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act aims to reduce the tragedy that befalls too many of our heroes and the heartbreak that befalls too many of their families. We lose thousands of veterans every year to suicide. Now is the time for practical, bipartisan action to do something about it.
The legislation we will vote on tomorrow will provide more of the suicide prevention and mental health support our veterans deserve. It will help veterans transition from Active-Duty service. It will take steps to improve the effectiveness of programs to help heroes in need.
This bill has already passed the House unanimously. I hope we can achieve a similar result in the Senate and send this bipartisan legislation to the White House for signature.
Before I finish, I would like to thank both the senior Senator from Georgia, Mr. Isakson, and the senior Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain, for their tireless work on this bill. These Senators care deeply about the men and women who give everything–literally everything–to protect us. Veterans are lucky to have such strong champions on their side.”
Source: Congressional Record
See related video: Senate to Pass Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLaLIpdLBz8