WASHINGTON – Last week, Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced a resolution to honor veteran and military entrepreneurs, by designating an annual “Veteran-Owned Small Business Week.” This legislation is also sponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jason Crow (D-CO). Specifically, this resolution celebrates veteran small business owners for their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. Businesses owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces have ma... Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Saturday, a bill introduced by Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Andy Levin (D-MI) was signed into law as part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, a comprehensive mental health care reform bill to support veterans. Their bipartisan bill, the VA Emergency Department Safety Planning Act, will help ensure emergency room personnel are effectively implementing safety plans and follow-ups for veterans deemed to be at risk of su... Read more

“Simple interventions can save lives. As a Brigadier General in the Ohio Army National Guard, I understand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and we owe it to them to take explore every possibility that could curb the suicide epidemic facing our veterans,” Stivers said. “Something as simple as a follow-up after emergency treatment is a no-brainer. I’m grateful to both the VA for implementing this program, and to Representative Levin for making sure it works as best as it can.” Read more

“The NDAA is Congress’s commitment to our men and women in uniform, it lets them know that we’ve got their backs,” Stivers said. “That commitment needs to continue even after they have separated from the military, and I was pleased to work with my colleagues across the aisle to address a number of challenging issues that face our servicemembers.” Read more

WASHINGTON – Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) joined Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) to offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at addressing the maternal mortality crisis. The maternal mortality rate in the United States is the only developed country in which maternal mortality rates continue to increase, while decreasing globally. This amendment prioritizes ongoing efforts from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to identify, characterize, and provide a d... Read more

WASHINGTON – Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support veterans coping with homelessness. The bipartisan amendment seeks to tackle veteran homelessness by expanding the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure chronically homeless veterans discharged under conditions other-than-honorable (OTH), but not dishonorable, are eligibl... Read more

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) joined Representative Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) to offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) targeting the disproportional rate of female veteran unemployment. This amendment would require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study on the unemployment rate of female veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. “As a veteran myself, one of my ... Read more

“I’m living now, I’m really living.” That’s how Walter Parker describes life since he was paired with his service dog, Jackson, six years ago. In 1967, Walter deployed to Vietnam and returned home with physical and invisible wounds, including post-traumatic stress (PTS), that took a toll on not only him, but his family and loved ones. For over 40 years, Walter was essentially homebound, unable to speak with people, and struggling with suicidal thoughts. Now, thanks to Jackson, he’s not only able... Read more

WASHINGTON – Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH), welcomed Mr. Walter Parker, and his service dog, Jackson, as his guest for tonight’s State of the Union address. Walter, a Vietnam veteran is one of too many veterans suffering from invisible wounds following service. Almost fifty years ago, Walter spent two years in Vietnam, including time in Saigon during the Tet Offensive, and in DaNang. After spending decades struggling with post-traumatic stress (PTS), Walter was paired with his service dog ... Read more

When I put on my uniform to serve as a Brigadier General with the Ohio National Guard, I see firsthand the various challenges that other brave men and women encounter while protecting our nation. Time and time again, the invisible challenges of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and other mental illnesses impact my fellow servicemembers, and it is our duty as Members of Congress to provide the specified care for our warriors that they need and deserve. As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Mont... Read more