A suicide-prevention bill aimed at helping military veterans was passed unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday, and is expected to soon see a signature from President Barack Obama.
The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act was named for a 26-year-old Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who killed himself in 2011,
The Washington Post reported. Upon passage of the bill, his mother released a statement praising the Senate.
"We are extremely grateful for the Senate passing this bill and all those who have worked so hard on it. While we are a little bittersweet, because it is too late for our son Clay, we are thankful knowing that this bill will save many lives," said Susan Selke.
"No veteran should have to wait or go through bureaucratic red tape to get the mental health care they earned during their selfless service to our country. While this legislation is not a 100-percent solution, it is a huge step in the right direction."
The Senate bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a centralized website for all of its mental health services, with an emphasis on PTSD treatment and suicide prevention. It also requires it to establish a peer support pilot program, and to create financial incentives to address a shortage of mental health experts.
"This no nonsense bill not only will help save lives, but also honor the obligation the government made to our veterans when they put on the uniform," said Paul Rieckhoff, the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, the day before the bill went up for a vote.
"With its passage, our country can begin to curb the alarmingly high veteran suicide rate. And we can’t wait any longer as 22 veterans die by suicide every day."