Summary of HRES 670: National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day

Purpose and Intent

House Resolution 670 (HRES 670) expresses support for the designation of September 22 as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day." The resolution aims to raise awareness about the critical issue of suicide among military personnel and veterans, highlighting the need for increased support and resources for mental health.

Key Provisions

• Designation of Awareness Day: The resolution formally supports the establishment of September 22 as a day dedicated to recognizing the struggles faced by military members and veterans regarding mental health and suicide.
• Awareness Campaign: While the resolution itself does not mandate specific actions, it encourages public and private sectors to engage in awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community events to address the issue of suicide in the military and veteran populations.

Affected Parties

• Military Personnel and Veterans: The primary focus of this resolution is on active-duty military members and veterans who may be at risk of suicide.
• Families and Communities: The resolution also impacts the families of military personnel and veterans, as well as communities that support these individuals, by fostering a greater understanding of the mental health challenges they face.
• Mental Health Organizations: Nonprofits and organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy may benefit from increased visibility and support as a result of the awareness day.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• Introduced: The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 2, 2025.
• Referred to Committee: On the same day, it was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by a bipartisan group of representatives, including:
- Keith Self (Primary Sponsor)
- Patrick Ryan
- Zachary Nunn
- Josh Harder
- Juan Ciscomani
- Sharice Davids
- Eleanor Holmes Norton
- Judy Chu
- Donald Norcross
- Barry Moore
- Derrick Van Orden
- Rudy Yakym
- Monica De La Cruz
- Byron Donalds
- Jay Obernolte
- Roger Williams

Conclusion

HRES 670 seeks to establish a dedicated day for raising awareness about the alarming rates of suicide among military personnel and veterans. By designating September 22 as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day," the resolution aims to foster a culture of understanding and support, ultimately contributing to the reduction of suicide rates in these populations.