WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions that raise military pay by the highest level in 20 years, improve housing and access to health care, and provide oversight over the Department of Defense. Additionally, the NDAA includes a Van Orden-sponsored amendment that addresses military suicide among National Guard and Reserve members.
“Addressing military suicide is my number one priority in Congress, and it should be of paramount concern to the Department of Defense,” said Van Orden. “Our National Guardsmen and Reserve members deserve access to any resources that will prevent them from choosing a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This amendment will save lives, and I am proud to support it.”
Originally proposed by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-37), the amendment encourages the Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to monitor and ensure appropriate measures are available to reduce suicides among former members of the Guard and Reserve Components who were not activated for military service.
Read the text here.
