ORLANDO, Fla.— Senator Ashley Moody continues to rally veterans across Florida around congressional legislation to increase mental health services and outcomes. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and military veterans experience suicide rates higher than the national average. Recently, in Central Florida, Senator Moody joined more than a hundred former servicemembers at a local VFW post to discuss the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, which would establish a grant program to help states provide veterans with additional resources for recovery.
“As Florida’s newest U.S. Senator, I have crisscrossed the state to meet with thousands of our great veterans and have looked for ways to increase resources and improve outcomes. They risked their lives to protect our great nation and I will continue to fight in Washington to make sure we always honor their service,” said Senator Ashley Moody.
BACKGROUND:
- Recently Senator Moody joined more than 100 veterans at a VFW Post in Orlando to discuss the bipartisan Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act. The Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help states develop and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans. It would authorize $10 million each year, with every approved state receiving at least $200,000 to support these programs.
- View Senator Moody’s full remarks from the recent event here.
- Senator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:
- Recently cosponsored the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services.
- Cosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;
- Supported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;
- Supported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;
- Held a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;
- Recognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard’s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.
- Senator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.
- Senator Moody has long fought for Florida’s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.
- Senator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.
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