HR1246 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1246 LRB095 21004 KXB 50089 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, More than 1.6 million U.S. military personnel have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, including 160,000 currently serving; and

WHEREAS, A recent independent study by the Rand Corporation found that one in five combat soldiers experience severe depression or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their service; and

WHEREAS, The report estimates that more than 300,000 soldiers are suffering from mental disorders due to their combat service; and

WHEREAS, A record number of U.S. soldiers returning home committed suicide in 2007; and

WHEREAS, The Pentagon reports that over 30,000 troops have been wounded in service; this does not take into account soldiers with psychological trauma; and

WHEREAS, Recent findings from the Department of Veterans Affairs reveal a pattern of errors and blatantly misleading figures when estimating the number of soldiers suffering physiological injuries; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs, including Dr. Ira Katz, who is in charge of mental health issues for the Veterans Administration, has repeatedly shown that they are out of touch with the needs of returning soldiers; and

WHEREAS, In order to fully address the needs of soldiers suffering from physiological trauma, the federal government must first have accurate figures from officials that can be trusted to do what is best for the men and women of the armed forces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to relieve Dr. Ira Katz of his duties and replace him with an official that will provide accurate information on the number and needs of soldiers returning home with physiological trauma and furthermore place a new emphasis on recognition, treatment and care of soldiers suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to each member of the Illinois congressional delegation.