Congress returns to session with little time to complete business on a range of important matters, which is why last night I called on the Senate to take swift action on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA, which passed the House in May, authorizes policy for the Pentagon and this year includes reforms to ensure our troops are more adequately trained and equipped, both mentally and physically. A recent Army study found that “nearly half of soldiers who reported suicide attempts indicated their first attempt was prior to enlistment.” I am proud to say the House version of the NDAA includes provisions – identical to the Medical Evaluation Parity for Service Members (MEPS) Act, a bill I introduced earlier in the year – that will help address this challenge. The MEPS Act will enable the Pentagon to establish a baseline to properly track changes in service members’ behavioral health, by instituting a requirement that all incoming troops undergo a mental health assessment upon enlistment. It’s time for the Senate to act on this bipartisan legislation that has the support of over 40 veteran and military advocacy groups. Our troops deserve as much.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:37:02 +0000