Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) The suicide rate among veterans is 18 per day. (2) Veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population of the United States and Congress must provide continued support at the Federal, State, and local levels to combat the pandemic of veteran suicide. (3) Veterans deserve every opportunity to enjoy the freedom that they fought for overseas. (4) The Department of Veterans Affairs should consider and establish alternate treatments for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder that do not require prescription drugs, opioids, or invasive procedures. (5) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for symptoms of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder and should be accessible to veterans who are at a high-risk of suicide or self-harm.