Collin Peterson Should Fight for Suicide Prevention Programs for our Troops

President Barack Obama vetoed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes funding for our troops, but Collin Peterson is staying on the sidelines instead of fighting to provide for our men and women in uniform. President Obama’s veto of this critical bill could cause many important programs to lose funding, including new efforts to provide suicide prevention programs.

“If our troops are willing to risk their lives to defend our country, Collin Peterson should be willing to risk some political capital to ensure they get the care they need when they return,” said NRCC Communications Director Katie Martin. “If Peterson won’t do what’s right, our men and women in uniform could be left without access to the vital programs they have earned.”

The NDAA is critical in ensuring that the men and women of our military and their families receive the funding they have rightfully earned. Included in the bill is a provision requiring the Pentagon to provide information about mental health and suicide prevention services to all active-duty service members. Additionally, the NDAA directs the Department of Defense to develop new efforts, including coordination with nongovernmental organizations, to prevent military suicides.

The NDAA passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 270 to 156.  It passed the Senate by a vote of 70 to 27.