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WASHINGTON – Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06) reintroduced the Veterans’ Sentinel Act – bipartisan legislation to respond to suicide by US veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities by improving the accuracy of data collection and enhancing congressional oversight.
These measures follow an investigation that found multiple mistakes in the VA’s reporting of suicides on campus.
Veterans make up less than eight percent of the population, yet in 2022 represented a disproportionate 13.5% of all suicide deaths among adults in the US annually.
While some of these deaths have occurred on VA property, the department was found to have inaccurately reported on-campus suicides.
Today’s legislation aims to provide a clear understanding of the number of veterans who have sought to take their own life towards improving care.
“After my military service, I came home to fight for veterans in our community,” said Congressman Crow.
“Too often, we’ve seen how an overly bureaucratic VA system prevents our veterans and their families from receiving the quality care our nation promised.
“I won’t stand by and allow the VA to fail our veterans in crisis.
“I’m glad to renew our bipartisan efforts to increase oversight and improve the VA’s response to veterans’ suicide.
“Any way we can protect their lives, we must.”
“Since the first day I took the oath of office, I have put veterans as a top priority of my legislative agenda,” said Congressman Ellzey.
“Twenty-two veterans die from suicide every day, and this is unacceptable.
“The Veterans’ Sentinel Act would create a two-year pilot program in coordination with the VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to help combat this and save the lives of our veterans.
“It is only fitting that we as Americans take care of those who have taken care of us, and I am proud to work with my friend Representative Crow on this endeavor.”
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