Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Valadao from California for his leadership on Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. This important legislation streamlines the VA claims process, helping veterans and their families receive the benefits that they have earned and deserve.

I am especially grateful to Mr. Valadao for his collaboration in including my bill, the Justice for America's Veterans and Survivors Act, in this package.

My legislation improves how the Department of Veterans Affairs collects and reports data on the causes of death among veterans with a particular emphasis on accurately identifying when suicide is a primary or contributing factor.

The mental health crisis among America's veterans has reached an alarming level. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.

Despite ongoing efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs struggles to accurately track and report veteran suicides. This not only hinders the development of effective policies but deprives survivors and families of the support that they have earned and deserve.

Currently, the VA relies on county-level reporting that fails to identify veteran status in nearly one in five cases. Additionally, many self-harm deaths such as drug overdoses are excluded from suicide data.

The Justice for America's Veterans and Survivors Act fixes that issue by requiring the VA to publish an annual report on causes of death among veterans and it clarifies when suicide is a primary or a secondary cause, including in cases of self-harm related deaths.

Proper cause-of-death reporting ensures families have access to the benefits and resources that they are entitled to, and understanding the full scope of the veteran suicide crisis is essential to creating effective policies to save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source