Rep. Beto O'Rouke lays out veteran, mental health plans at town hall

Congressman running for U.S. senate seat

SOMERSET, Texas – U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-16) announced on Monday his plans at a town hall meeting in Somerset for a piece of legislation dedicated to veterans and mental health.

O'Rourke said an estimated 20 veterans die from suicide every day.

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He acknowledged there aren't enough mental health care providers and that it's difficult to get veterans to receive the care they need from the VA.

The El Paso congressman said he hopes to change that with a proposal introduced as the Honor Out Commitment Act of 2017.

"These are ideas that don't have any partisan aspect to them,” O’Rourke said. “We just want to serve Americans, veterans, heroes who need our help. We want to make sure we fulfill our commitment obligation to them."

Cruz participated in a town hall last week in Houston. He said he is looking at structural solutions that will change the incentives within the VA system to improve quality.

O'Rourke also said he will be running for a spot on the U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz in 2018.

To read more on Cruz’s plan on veterans care click here.

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