Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, a former U.S. Navy JAG, has joined forces with Congressmen Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) to introduce a critical piece of legislation, H.R. 6873. This bill focuses on the issue of suicide rates among former members of the Reserves and Guard who were not federally activated, directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include these individuals in their annual suicide report.
Key Aspects of the Bill
H.R. 6873 Overview
- The bill mandates the inclusion of suicide rate data among former members of the Reserves and Guard in the VA’s annual suicide report.
- This change addresses a gap in reporting since 2020 when the VA ceased to provide separate statistics for this group.
Statements from the Sponsors
- Guy Reschenthaler: Emphasizes the need for accurate data to combat the high suicide rates among veterans and stresses America’s duty to provide mental health resources to all who served.
- Derrick Van Orden: Highlights the deserving nature of the same services for National Guards and Reserves as active-duty personnel, pointing out that veteran suicide does not discriminate based on military service nature.
- Derek Kilmer: Focuses on the federal government’s responsibility to support those who serve, regardless of their service’s nature, and the need to address the mental health challenges they face.
The Importance of the Legislation
- The bill seeks to improve understanding and support for veterans’ mental health, particularly among those who served in the Reserves and National Guard but were never activated for Federal military service.
- In 2018, there were 538 suicides among this group, averaging 1.5 suicide deaths per day.
- The bill’s passage would mark a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the crisis of veteran suicide.
Impact on the Community
The introduction of H.R. 6873 by Reschenthaler and his colleagues is a significant move towards addressing a critical and often overlooked issue. The inclusion of non-federally activated Reserve and Guard members in suicide statistics is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of veteran mental health and suicide prevention efforts. This legislative action reflects a growing awareness and commitment to supporting all facets of our veteran community.
