Action Now Expected Monday before Senate Adjourns

Washington, D.C. (December 12, 2014) — On Monday, Dec. 15, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will renew its fight on the Senate floor for the Clay Hunt SAV Act after the vote was delayed Friday evening. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who is currently blocking the bill, left the Senate floor this evening, and Senate protocol precludes the bill to be brought up in his absence. Throughout the weekend, IAVA will continue to mobilize its base of veteran and civilian supporters to persuade Sen. Coburn to withdraw his objection and get the bill over the finish line.

“While we appreciate the many Senators who have stood up to support our bill and our nation’s veterans, we join them in expressing our dismay that Senator Coburn would block this bill. Unfortunately, one lone Senator is putting his agenda ahead of his colleagues and the veteran community,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “Every minute until the Senate eventually adjourns, our members will be fighting to bring this bill to the floor for a fair vote. Twenty-two veterans die by suicide each day due to bureaucratic red tape when accessing mental health care and scheduling appointments. They had our backs overseas, and our members need to ensure Congress has their backs when they come home.”

IAVA has asked its supporters to be active all weekend, making their voices heard by filling out its pledge that directs them to contact Sen. Coburn’s office.

IAVA connects veterans to mental health services, including partnering with the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line to ensure that every servicemember, veteran, family member and provider knows that there is free and confidential help available 24 hours a day through phone, text and online. Veterans, or those concerned about veterans, can call 800-273-8255 and press 1 to be directly connected to qualified responders.