Senator Hassan Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Aimed at Lowering Rate of Veteran Suicide

WASHINGTON - Senator Hassan released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order aimed at lowering the rate of suicide among veterans:

“It is absolutely unacceptable that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and I am encouraged that President Trump has taken this step to help our servicemen and women who are struggling with mental health disorders,” Senator Hassan said. “I am eager to work with members of both parties to ensure that the VA has the resources and staff necessary to provide comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention programs, while also ensuring that the funds already allotted are used effectively.”

Senator Hassan, ranking member on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, is tasked with ensuring that federal dollars are being spent wisely and effectively. In December, Senator Hassan released a statement criticizing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spending less than one percent of its $6.2 million budget for suicide prevention outreach. This month, Senator Hassan introduced the bipartisan Deborah Sampson Act, which would eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face and would help ensure that the VA can address the needs of women veterans.

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