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Klobuchar Cosponsors Legislation to Improve Armed Forces Mental Health Services

Also Cosponsors Bill to Improve GI Bill Benefits

January 31, 2008

Washington D.C.  – Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined with five other senators today in introducing legislation to prevent suicide and provide improved mental health services for troops serving in America’s Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act would provide post-deployment services for troops and their families, initiate a cross-service education campaign to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, and provide the Department of Defense with the resources for strategies to recruit more uniformed mental health professionals.

“Our troops didn’t wait in line when they signed up to serve, and there shouldn’t be waiting lines for services once they come home,’’ Klobuchar said. “One thing all Americans can agree on is that men and women in uniform and their brave families deserve the nation’s respect and support.’’

Last year Klobuchar cosponsored the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which provided improved mental health and suicide-prevention services for returning veterans. It was signed into law by the president in November 2007. The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act would apply to active-duty personnel.

Klobuchar also cosponsored legislation Thursday that would allow members of the U.S. Armed Forces to transfer unused educational funds they have received through the GI Bill to their spouses and children. The Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act covers all members of the military who receive GI Bill benefits, including Guard and Reserve members.

“While visiting Minnesota communities during January, I held a series of meetings with Iraq veterans and service members, and the most frequent comment I heard was the importance of making benefits accessible and easy to use,’’ Klobuchar commented.