Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Bill Blocked
A U.S. Senate bill aimed at preventing veteran suicides has been blocked. The measure has the backing of Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson.
The bill would create independent evaluations of VA programs to prevent suicide. It would also give student loan repayment for mental health specialists who commit to work at a VA hospital for two years.
The measure was stopped from coming to a vote by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma). He argued it would cost too much and would duplicate already existing programs. The bill is unlikely to be voted on before next year.
That’s when Senator Isakson, who supports the idea, is slated to chair the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Isakson says suicide prevention among veterans will remain a top priority.
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