WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate is passing the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act with an 89-11 vote.
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) drafted the bill that would require an annual mental health assessment for all service members.
Specialist Jacob Sexton, of Farmland, was enlisted in the Indiana National Guard when he took his own life while on a 15-day leave from Afghanistan.
The bill, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act, now heads to President Obama to be signed into law.
Sen. Donnelly said, “This common sense change will ensure we are focused not only on our Armed Forces’ physical readiness but also mental readiness. We make strides in the effort to reduce the stigma of seeking help—truly, it is a sign of strength.”
