In a recent episode of the Common Ground segment, Illinois Republican Congressman Mike Bost and California Democratic Congressman Mark Takano discussed their bipartisan efforts to address the concerning issue of veteran suicides. Both congressmen are members of the Veterans Affairs Committee and have been actively working towards finding solutions to combat this alarming trend.
According to data presented during the discussion, there has been a steady increase in veteran suicide deaths from 2001 to 2021, with 6,392 reported in the past year alone, up 114 from the previous year. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, Congressman Bost shared some of the measures they have been working on.
One of their key initiatives is the implementation of a three-digit 988 number that veterans can call to access the suicide hotline whenever needed. In addition, they are expanding and evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs, while also collaborating with community providers to ensure mental health care is readily available to veterans, regardless of their proximity to a VA facility.
Congressman Takano highlighted the importance of the Compact Act, a significant piece of legislation that allows veterans experiencing acute suicidal crises to seek immediate emergency healthcare at any VA or non-VA healthcare facility at no cost to them. He emphasized that this law, which was signed by former President Trump in 2020 and supported by the Biden administration, provides veterans with the necessary assistance when they need it most.
The discussion then shifted to the concerning shortfall in military recruitment. The Department of Defense reported that the military services collectively missed recruiting goals by approximately 41,000 recruits in fiscal year 2023, representing a 15% decline. Congressman Bost expressed his concern about the impact this could have on national readiness. He suggested that some parents may discourage their children from joining the military due to concerns such as the COVID vaccine mandate or perceived woke positions.
In response, Congressman Takano expressed his belief that recruitment numbers will improve, emphasizing the steadfast patriotism of the current generation. He also noted the importance of highlighting the various benefits available to veterans, such as the VA Home Loan Program and the GI Bill, to attract potential recruits in a competitive job market.
Closing the segment, Congressman Takano highlighted the success of bipartisan collaboration within the Veterans Affairs Committee and encouraged others to follow suit. The congressmen emphasized the need to support and protect those willing to volunteer in the military, as their dedication and sacrifice are crucial for safeguarding the nation.
The Common Ground episode showcased the shared commitment of both Republicans and Democrats to address the urgent issue of veteran suicides and strengthen recruitment efforts within the military. While acknowledging the challenges faced, the congressmen expressed optimism and urged others to focus on bipartisan solutions for the benefit of our veterans and our nation as a whole.
