As one proposed suicide prevention bill (H.R. 4157 – Not Just a Number Act) languishes in Congress, another suicide prevention bill is introduced, on October 8, 2024, which may have a greater impact on this vital issue if passed.

That proposed legislation is: H.R. 9924 – the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act. This bipartisan bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to draft and implement best practices for suicide prevention pilots and grant programs.

The difference between H.R. 4157 (which was introduced on June 13, 2023) and newly introduced H.R. 9924 is simple. H.R. 4157 would require the VA to examine benefit usage in an Annual Suicide Prevention Report.

This Report will allow the VA to gain insights for evaluating the relationship between VA benefits and veteran suicides.

When the VA analyzes veteran suicide data, they do not have access to whether a veteran utilized education opportunities, job training, housing, or full disbursement of benefits. The H.R. 4157 bill would also have VA analyze which benefits have the greatest impact on preventing suicide.

On the other hand, the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act is more pragmatic in nature. H.R. 9924 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish measurable objectives for suicide prevention and grant programs currently carried out through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

This proposed legislation would significantly improve data collection, transparency, and create a clear plan to evaluate program success. It would open the door to ensure that resources would go to the most effective initiatives for preventing veteran suicide.

The VA would then share program results and best practices with stakeholders and then implement those best practices in the VA’s daily operation. This would make H.R. 9924 more pro-active than H.R. 4157.

H.R. 9924 was introduced by Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman, who is a member of the House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He has partnered with Congressmen Chris Deluzio, Morgan Luttrell, and Derrick Van Orden to introduce this vital legislation.

Following the introduction of H.R. 9924, three (3) other Representatives, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Timothy Kennedy, and Julia Brownley agreed to co-sponsor the legislation. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have endorsed this bill.

“This bill will save countless lives,” stated Congressman Landsman. “Too many veterans are dying by suicide every day, and we have to do more to prevent it. Many veterans are dealing with severe mental health issues and deserve the best care possible.”

“Reducing and eliminating veteran suicide is as complex as it is essential, and the VA must have the best, most up-to-date information available,” said Edward Reese, the DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director.

“The What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act would establish objectives, properly evaluate VA suicide prevention programs and organize comprehensive data to make better, lifesaving decisions,” concluded Executive Director Reese. “DAV is proud to support this crucial legislation, and we thank Congressman Landsman for his leadership.”

Suicide prevention is currently the most urgent issue and the number one priority for the VA. This priority has been endorsed by all the major veteran service organizations (VSOs).

“The VFW supports the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act to establish stand practices for a grant or pilot program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Health Administration,” commented the VFW National Legislative Associate Director Meggan Coleman.

“It is vital to be good stewards of all the funds that are allocated for the reduction and end of suicide in the veteran community,” continued Associate Director Coleman. “We thank Congressman Landsman for introducing this bill and look forward to it becoming law.”

My Opinion: I firmly believe that both H.R. 9924, the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act and H.R. 4157, Not Just a Number Act should be passed and enacted into law. Both bills deal with the number one priority for the VA: The Prevention of Veteran Suicide.

I believe that the crisis of veteran suicide demands all our best efforts. I believe that means the VA using proven and effective tactics and tools to save lives. Until we do everything, we can to prevent veteran suicide, we are not doing enough to save veterans’ lives.

H.R. 4157, the Not Just a Number Act, has one hundred and fifty-seven (157) Representatives that are co-sponsored for this legislation. Included in this bills co-sponsor Representative listing from Ohio are: Congressmen David Joyce; Greg Landsman; Michael Rulli and Michael Turner.

Senate Bill S.928, the companion bill for H.R. 4157, has thirty-three (33) Senate co-sponsors for the pending legislation. Senator Sherrod Brown is the only co-sponsor from the State of Ohio to co-sponsor the bill.

I believe many of our Washington elected officials talk about the prevention of veteran suicides, yet they fail to sponsor or co-sponsor legislation that may have an impact to reduce veteran suicides.

I firmly believe that our veterans had our backs when they were in uniform. We must do everything we can to have their backs now!

Congress should pass H.R. 9924, the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act and H.R. 4157, Not Just a Number Act now!

BioSketch: John Plahovinsak is a retired 32-year Army veteran who served from 1967 to 1999. He is the current Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Ohio’s Hospital Chairman and Adjutant of Chapter #63 (Clermont County). He can be contacted at: plahovinsak@msn.com.