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Pelosi Statement on President Obama’s New Executive Actions for Service Members, Veterans and Military Families

August 26, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama, in a speech to the American Legion's 96th Convention, announced 19 new executive measures for service members, veterans, and military families:

"Today's executive actions affirm the Administration's efforts to improve health care for America's service members, veterans, and military families. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we have a sacred promise to leave no veteran behind when they return home.

"By ensuring that every person in uniform receives quality, timely health care, and benefits – which includes expanding mental health programs, improving the transition from active duty, strengthening suicide prevention efforts, and exploring innovative research to help treat post-traumatic stress syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and other diseases – we continue to fulfill that promise.

"The steps announced today by President Obama are a clarion call to address the scourge of suicide – 22 veterans commit suicide each day – and will be vital for veterans, their families, caregivers, and communities. If we raise awareness of the crisis and all work together to foster new partnerships, we can help save lives. The President also underscored our nation's commitment to build on progress made to reduce homelessness and expand economic opportunities for our heroes who have served our nation. These executive actions are an investment in the lives of our service members, veterans, and their families who have already sacrificed so much to keep us safe."

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