WASHINGTON – On June 18, 2014, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) successfully offered an amendment to increase funding for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) research and treatment during debate of H.R. 4870, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2015,” on the House Floor.

The Defense Health Program (DHP) oversees all medical and health care programs for the Defense Department.  The Jeffries amendment increases funding for the DHP by $10,000,000.  The increase is offset by a reduction in the Department of Defense’s Department-Wide Operation and Maintenance funding by a corresponding $10,000,000.

“Over the last decade, we have seen a significant increase in the number of reported cases of PTSD in both our deployed and non-deployed service members,” said Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.  “Left unaddressed, this problem presents grave consequences for soldiers, military families and our nation.”  

DHP’s activities help advance medical research and innovation in the quest for improved treatment and prevention.

“The need for increased research concerning PTSD extends to both military personnel and the broader community.  High levels of violence in communities throughout America, like East New York and Brownsville, have created PTSD-like conditions for many subjected to this environment.  Expanded research undertaken by the Department of Defense will benefit society and all those afflicted by this disorder,” added Rep. Jeffries.

Click HERE or on the image below to watch a video of Rep. Jeffries offering his amendment on the House Floor:

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Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) represents the 8^th district in Brooklyn and Queens, which includes the East New York, Brownsville and Coney Island communities.