Senate approves bill aimed at stopping military suicides, 99-0

The Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve legislation aimed at preventing suicide among military veterans.

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) was the only one absent in the 99-0 vote. His office said he had flight problems in Chicago.

The legislation, named after a Marine Corps veteran who took his life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, calls for external audits of suicide prevention programs in the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments. The review would determine which efforts are successful or should be eliminated.

It would also create a website detailing mental healthcare services and start a pilot program to repay student loan debt for those who study psychiatric medicine and commit to working at the VA.

More than 8,000 veterans are estimated to commit suicide every year.

In a floor speech Monday night, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said the bill would help address the “stealth” diseases that can afflict veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

He also dismissed concerns about the bill’s $24 million price tag, saying funds inside the VA would pay the tab. He also argued that lawmakers haven’t done enough to address veterans’ suicide.

Former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) blocked the bill in December, arguing its costs should be offset.  

“We are extremely grateful for the Senate passing this bill and all those who have worked so hard on it. While we are a little bittersweet, because it is too late for our son Clay, we are thankful knowing that this bill will save many lives,” Susan Selke, Hunt’s mother, said in a statement put out by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).