Waltz Introduces PTSD Bill

Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) has introduced the PTSD Collaborative Research Act. The bipartisan bill would leverage research by the U.S. and Israel to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Joining him in introducing the bill is New York Rep. Pat Ryan (D).

In a statement, Waltz discussed the impact of the bill, explaining that “serving in combat changes you – and many times, our service members return home much different than they were when they deployed to no fault of their own.” “PTSD is a natural response for our service members who have seen war firsthand, affecting veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life,” Waltz commented, sharing that as a veteran he understands “how important it is we leverage every tool possible to better help our veterans heal and adjust to their lives back home.”

According to a press release from Waltz’s office, if it passes, the bill “would leverage research assets and experiences of the U.S. and Israel to develop best practices in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD.” The bill “also establishes a grant program for American universities and private non-profits teaming up with Israeli counterparts to research PTSD.”

Ryan also commented on his support for the legislation, sharing a personal anecdote.

“During and after my two combat tours in Iraq, I saw firsthand the impact of PTSD on my brothers and sisters in arms,” he said, adding that legislators “simply have to do more for those who have sacrificed so much for this country.”

In introducing the legislation alongside Waltz, Ryan detailed that it “dedicates desperately needed resources to researching and treating PTSD,” and he called it an effort to “deliver the best-in-class care that our service members deserve.”

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran (R) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.