Tlaib Secures Suicide Prevention Awareness Provision in National Defense Bill

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s (MI-12) provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (NDAA) to raise awareness about suicide prevention services among servicemembers and veterans.

“The forever wars of the past decades have left behind immense trauma, and far too often our government fails to provide our servicemembers and veterans with the support they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “It’s heartbreaking that every single day in this country, about 17 veterans die by suicide. That’s 17 families whose lives will never be the same. This is one of the many costs of war. While I could not vote in favor of another record-breaking $886 billion Pentagon budget with extreme provisions that gut abortion access, target trans servicemembers and their families, ban books, and fuel climate change, I am extremely grateful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle supported this critical amendment. If you are a veteran or servicemember in crisis, please reach out for the support you need. You are not alone.”

Congresswoman Tlaib’s amendment lists specific locations and methods for suicide prevention outreach to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline requiring these materials to be posted and distributed at military instillations and on all military bases.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free confidential, support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. Veterans can access specialized support by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Watch Congresswoman Tlaib’s speech on the House floor here.

The full text of the amendment can be found here.