Washington, DC -- A newly proposed bill aims to improve mental health outcomes for veterans.

The "Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act" was introduced by Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan, as well as Rep. Lou Correa of California. Michigan representative Tim Walberg is also listed as an original cosponsor.

The legislation aims to increase access to evidence-based suicide prevention care. This includes increasing the number of Community Care Network providers who receive suicide prevention training from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would also create a publicly available preferred provider list to help identify the providers that may best fit veterans' needs.

In a statement, Rep. Huizenga said the following:

When our servicemembers come home at the end of their service, our responsibility to them does not end. Too many veterans continue to struggle with invisible wounds after returning home, and they deserve access to the highest quality mental health care available, wherever they receive it. This bipartisan legislation will help connect veterans with providers who have completed evidence-based suicide prevention training and improve transparency for veterans and families seeking care.

Rep. Walberg added the following:

Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, yet too many of these brave men and women struggle in silence. I am proud to join Representatives Huizenga and Correa on this bipartisan legislation, which will equip providers with the proper training to deliver high-quality mental health care to America's veterans so that we can honor these heroes’ service with the care, dignity, and compassion they so rightfully deserve.

The bill is supported by organizations including the American Legion Department of Michigan and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.