Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR376

Introduced

12/3/25

Refer

12/3/25

Caption

Urging the President and Congress of the United States to address the critical issue of veteran suicides by ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive and accurate data to inform effective prevention strategies, thereby honoring the sacrifices of all who have served.

Impact

The passage of this resolution is positioned to impact federal legislative processes, particularly as it seeks to ensure that National Guard and Reserve suicides are included in annual reports. This inclusion is posited as essential not only for accurate data representation but also for research purposes that can inform prevention strategies. By pressing the VA to acknowledge these suicides, the resolution aims to foster a supportive environment that recognizes all veterans, thereby promoting mental health awareness and combatting stigma.

Summary

HR376 is a resolution urging the President and Congress of the United States to confront the pressing issue of veteran suicides. The resolution emphasizes the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide comprehensive and accurate data concerning veteran suicides to develop effective prevention strategies. It highlights that existing reports notably exclude the suicides of National Guard and Reserve veterans who do not meet specific service criteria, which the bill identifies as a significant gap in understanding the true extent of veteran suicide risks. The resolution is motivated by statistics indicating that veteran suicides are a serious crisis, warranting heightened intervention and awareness.

Contention

The resolution raises significant points of contention regarding the categorization and reporting of veteran suicides, pointing out the inadequacy of the current system which risks underestimating the actual suicide rates among military personnel. Opponents might argue that inclusion of such data could lead to perceived inflated suicide rates amongst veterans, creating further stigma around mental health issues in this community. There is a broader concern among some factions that emphasizing suicide statistics might overshadow other critical aspects of veteran care and support services that also require attention.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR0217

A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.

PA HR315

Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enable veterans to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy for both traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

PA SR566

A resolution recognizing that care provided by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs is essential for meeting the health care needs of veterans of the United States.

PA HR863

Honoring the heroic military service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans from the great State of Texas, and for other purposes.

PA HR491

Urging the Congress of the United States to enact legislation designating the Green Star Service Banner as a national emblem honoring families of members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans who died by suicide.

PA HB7950

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

PA HB1413

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that domiciliary facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs and State homes that provide housing to veterans have resident advocates.

PA HCR44

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging Congress to create an accreditation pathway through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for private companies assisting veterans with their benefits.

PA HR157

Urging the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 1947, the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act or similar legislation dealing with stellate ganglion block therapy to veterans and members of the armed forces of the United States with post-traumatic stress disorder, during the 119th United States Congress.

PA HR60

This resolution supports the naming of new or undedicated Department of Veterans Affairs facilities after women veterans and minority veterans to reflect the diversity of all who have served in the Armed Forces.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.