(Photo: VA.gov)

A bipartisan bill introduced in the House seeks to address the troubling rates of suicide among Veterans by providing free firearm lockboxes to any Veteran requesting one. This proposal, titled the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act, has garnered support from both gun control advocates and firearms industry groups. The legislation builds on an existing pilot program by the VA that currently offers lockboxes to Veterans identified as being at moderate to high risk for suicide.

U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) sponsor the bill and stress the pressing need for action. Deluzio, a Navy Veteran, commented on the Veteran suicide crisis in an interview with Military.com, stating, “This is a chance where we can do it that I think can cut through the politics that normally divide us on these issues.” The legislation proposes allocating $5 million annually for the next decade to fund this effort.

“By providing access to lifesaving resources, we can prevent devastating outcomes and stand with our Veterans as they navigate their darkest hours,” said Fitzpatrick described the bill as a “lifeline” for Veterans in crisis. Landsman stated that the legislation is a straightforward but essential measure for safeguarding Veterans and their families.

The statistics regarding Veteran suicides are alarming: the rate remains significantly higher than that of the general population, with firearms being the leading method. The high rates of suicide among Veterans are 57% higher than civilians. The VA reports that 73% of male Veteran suicides and 52% of female suicides involve firearms. Despite existing resources like free cable locks for firearms since 2013 and public service campaigns promoting safe gun storage, many Veterans do not securely store their weapons. Research indicates that improved access to secure storage can reduce suicide rates, reinforcing the need for this proposed legislation.

In addition to the lockboxes, the bill would also require the VA to launch a public education campaign to raise awareness about the availability of the lockboxes and the importance of responsible firearm storage in suicide prevention. While promoting gun safety among Veterans has historically faced criticism from gun rights advocates, recent legislative efforts suggest a shift toward bipartisan cooperation in tackling this public health crisis.

Advocates from diverse sectors, including mental health professionals and gun rights supporters, unite in their backing of this legislation, recognizing it as a vital measure to safeguard those who have served the nation. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a leading firearms trade group, has endorsed the bill. Lawrence Keane, NSSF’s senior vice president, emphasized the responsibility of gun owners to secure their firearms, especially in preventing access during mental health crises. The bill has also received endorsements from Veteran service organizations, including Disabled American Veterans and The American Legion.

For Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available through the Veterans Crisis Line, accessible 24/7 at 988, Press 1. Assistance can also be reached online or via text at 838255.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.