PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11097-11101)
Congressional Research Service
Version 80 · Reported to Senate without amendment · Jul 23, 2007
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should take into consideration the special needs of veterans suffering from PTSD in developing and implementing the program required under this Act.
Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Requires the program to include: (1) a national mental health campaign to increase mental health awareness in the veteran community; (2) mandatory training on suicide and suicide prevention for appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and contractor personnel; (3) family education and peer support counseling; (4) veterans' health assessments, counseling, and treatment programs; (5) suicide prevention counselors; (6) research on suicide prevention; (7) treatment programs for veterans suffering from substance abuse; (8) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (9) a toll-free hotline.
Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on VA programs and activities to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans.
People & committees
Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11097-11101)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 279.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Akaka without amendment. With written report No. 110-132.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Akaka without amendment. With written report No. 110-132.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-89.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1529-1530)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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