MSNBC: House approves Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act
Last edited Tue Dec 9, 2014, 07:18 PM - Edit history (1)
By Steve Benen
Given just how little actually happens in Congress, and how many good bills die for no apparent reason, it’s easy to get a little cynical about what’s possible in the area of federal legislation.
Once in a while, though, a good idea actually passes. Take this afternoon, for example.
The House on Tuesday passed legislation to help prevent suicides of people who served in the military.
Passed by voice vote, the bill would require a third party to conduct an annual evaluation of suicide prevention programs at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and Defense Department.
The measure was sponsored by Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), and enjoyed the enthusiastic support of veterans’ groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). There is no roll call to link to because support was broad enough that the bill passed by voice vote.
...
There clearly isn’t a lot of time remaining in the lame-duck session, but the bill enjoys broad support in the Senate, and it’s expected to pass with relative ease. If all goes well, President Obama’s signature won’t be a problem.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/house-approves-clay-hunt-suicide-prevention-act
Related thread about the bill posted by nitpicker:
Senate introduces bill re mental health access and suicide prevention
http://www.democraticunderground.com/11795985
= new reply since forum marked as read
Just a start, but a good one! 
This law will help troops and vets who need help quickly. Not applicable to you, but a potential lifesaver for others.
We've had some discussions here before, and I really feel for you. You're going through a hell of a lot of torment, and I wish it could be easier for you. A lot of us from the VN War went through our own shit and managed to eventually have our catharsis or find our perspective somehow.
I really have to admire you for all you're doing for yourself. I know it must hurt to be doing all the right things and stil feel like you're spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.
Thankfully, you're still here. Because you're a survivor. You really don't want to die. You know, down deep, that you don't deserve this shit you're going through.
You're a good man and you deserve only the best. From what I've seen of you here, I know you will struggle but eventually you'll find your way and you will go on to help others. You may even save lives. You have that potential.
I'm confident that you're going to make it, Victor. But you're going to go through hell to get there. But there's one VN vet here who's got your back, and I'll bet there are plenty of others here who are with you. You are not alone. 