releases: https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/bill-that-supports-troops-is-now-the-law
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/bill-that-supports-troops-is-now-the-law | Bill that Supports Troops is Now the Law | 2014-12-24 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | IN | Joe Donnelly | D000607 | www.donnelly.senate.gov | legacy | Bill that Supports Troops is Now the Law Wednesday, December 24, 2014 It’s popular for members of Congress to say that they “support the troops,” but backing those words with thoughtful, meaningful action is what really matters. The passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Act of 2014 promises real assistance to members of the military, putting the focus on helping them get mental health support and reducing military suicides. On Friday, President Obama signed the bill, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill is the second version of a measure introduced last year by Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly. Donnelly’s commitment to preventing suicide among military members — and his hard work in support of those who serve in general — has been unwavering. Named for a National Guardsman from Farmland, Ind., who shot himself to death while on leave in 2009, the bill requires annual, face-to-face mental health assessments for all active duty, reserve and National Guard service members. Currently, the military focuses mental health services on deploying and returning troops, even though research indicates that suicide is more common among soldiers who never deploy. The need for such support is reflected in these sobering figures: Last year saw the combat deaths of 132 service members, while 475 members took their own lives. In introducing the measure, Donnelly noted that “there is not one solution, no cure-all to prevent military suicide. But this problem is not too big to solve.” And the passage of the Jacob Sexton Act Military Act of 2014 is a significant step in preventing such tragic losses. In a statement, Donnelly calls the legislation he fought for “common sense change (that) will ensure we are focusing not only on our Armed Forces’ physical readiness but also mental readiness.” It’s no less than the men and women who protect this country deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |