Rooney Amendments to Enhance Mental Health Research Included in Defense Authorization Bill
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), member of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced that the Committee approved his amendments to enhance research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse during consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012.
“While we’ve made tremendous progress in improving mental health services for our troops and veterans, the high rates of suicide and invisible wounds like PTSD are clear evidence that we must do more to help those who serve our country. By expanding research and exploring cutting edge treatments and technologies, we can help ensure that our troops and veterans get the care they need.”
Rooney’s amendments will increase research to assist servicemen and women struggling with substance abuse, and explore the use of virtual reality technology to treat PTSD. The Committee also approved a Rooney amendment to fund air-to-ground simulations for Air Force training.
The texts of the amendments are available here:
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