Murphy Veteran Mental Health Bill Passes House!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.'s (NC-03) bipartisan bill, H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act passed the House with overwhelming support by a vote of 420-4. If signed into law, the bill would expand Vet Center GI Bill eligibility to student veterans who are using a VA education program. This would ensure that counseling and mental health support are available to student veterans who may be struggling with their transition out of the military, which is known to be a vulnerable time.

"Change is hard for everyone, especially for veterans who are transitioning from active-duty service to civilian status," said Rep. Murphy. "Many veterans also face tremendous obstacles when returning to school after their heroic service, especially older, non-traditional students who may be enrolling directly following separation from military service. My bill, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act, will bridge the mental health resource gap for the 850,000 veterans and beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a VA education program, and ensure that counseling and mental health support is available through free and confidential Vet Centers. I am proud to see so much bipartisan support for my bill today, and look forward to its immediate consideration in the Senate. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our nation's veterans."

"Helping veterans succeed in school and start their civilian lives off on the right foot is one of the most important ways to thank them for their service. Dr. Murphy's bill, the Veterans Counseling Center Eligibility Act, passed out of the House today and will help do exactly that," said Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rep. Mike Bost. "This bill will expand Vet Center eligibility to give student veterans a place to go to connect with other veterans and get the support they need. I look forward to seeing this vitally important bill passed in the Senate and signed into law as soon as possible."

Earlier today, Rep. Murphy spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, HR 4233, The Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. This issue is especially personal to my district, as I represent over 89,000 veterans, many of whom are or will be receiving benefits via the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.

The transition from active duty back to civilian life can challenging for some of our servicemembers. It can be tremendously difficult for many our servicemembers to return to education after sacrificing so much for our nation abroad – this is especially true for older or non-traditional student veterans.

A few months ago, alongside Ranking Member Mike Bost, I had the privilege of introducing the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. It passed out of the Veterans' Affairs committee with a unanimous vote.

Our nation's veterans represent the very best among us here in the United States, but many serve at a great personal cost.

A recent RAND study reported that 20 percent of veterans on the GI bill experience feelings of depression or PTSD. That 20 percent amounts to over 170,000 veterans. That's almost double the number of total veterans in my veteran heavy district.

As one can imagine, serving as a member of our Armed Forces can be extremely stressful. Too often we see the tragedy of our veterans losing their battle with mental health issues when returning from service.

A very tragic and somber in fact is that the VA currently estimates the suicide rate at 18 a day for our Veterans

46% of military students reported suicidal thoughts compared to only 6% of their non-military peers.

If we can provide mental health services to assist just a single veteran who is struggling, then I believe it is our sworn duty to do so. We have that opportunity now, with the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.

Education poses one of the most beneficial yet stressful areas of transitions for our veterans. The intention of this bill is to aid more of our veterans who are readjusting to civilian lives by providing overdue access to vital mental health resources.

Helping veterans succeed in their education and civilian lives is one of most important ways to thank them for their service.

I have spoken with some of these student veterans. I have heard their stories. These student veterans have had to wait weeks to even months for a mental health appointment if their mental health crisis was not deemed urgent. Unfortunately, many of our veterans do not have the luxury of weeks or months to wait to see a professional mental health provider.

Furthermore, private mental health care can be inaccessible for those utilizing the benefits of the GI Bill. An average therapy session can cost between $60-$120, with the higher end of costs reaching prices of up to $250 per session. Even with health insurance, premiums often amount to $50 a session.

The Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act would provide expanded counseling and mental health support services to student veterans through the VA's Readjustment Counseling Centers, known as "Vet Centers." These centers provide individual, group, marriage, and family counseling and peer support opportunities for active duty servicemembers, veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and certain military family members. Vet Centers are community-based, confidential, and free.

I am extremely honored and proud to sponsor this bill and am very grateful to Ranking Member Bost for his support as an original cosponsor, and to all my Republican and Democrat colleagues who have already come together to cosponsor this vital legislation. I am also thankful to the Student Veterans of America for their support.

We have an obligation to make counseling services more accessible for veterans who have sacrificed so much to safeguard our freedoms. I urge my colleagues to vote YES on H.R. 4233.

Thank you Mr. Speaker and I yield the balance of my time."

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