Help Needed for Veterans with PTSD

Floor Speech

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Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of our Nation's veterans struggling with PTSD and their family members anxious for help.

This week, I spoke with the mother of a young man who joined the Marines out of patriotic duty following 9/11. He served four tours.

His mother told me that when he came home, he was a changed man struggling with PTSD.

She took him to the VA when he said he was contemplating suicide. She was told all the beds were full; they couldn't help.

He was later denied extended treatment at an inpatient facility after he began self-medicating. A year-and-a-half ago, he died of an overdose.

We have to do better. The VA needs more and better addiction and mental health resources. This young man's mother said to me, after losing her son, she is in the fight now. I am, too, and I hope you will join me.

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