WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce the risk of veteran suicide. The Saving Our Veterans’ Lives Act would authorize a program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide free firearm lockboxes to veterans to put time and space between at-risk individuals and lethal means, such as firearms.

Firearms are the most common means used by veterans who die by suicide. Approximately 75% of male veteran suicide deaths and 45% of female veteran suicide deaths are with firearms, rates that greatly exceed those of non-veterans. The high-risk phase of many suicidal crises arise quickly. Studies have found that nearly half of suicide attempts are done within 10 minutes after the decision to end one’s life. Limiting the ease by which at-risk individuals can access firearms — such as with lockboxes — has been shown to prevent suicide deaths.

“Our veterans represent the very best of Maine and our nation — making countless sacrifices to protect and defend our country,” said Senator King. “We have an obligation to provide our veterans with as many resources as possible to keep them safe during some of their most vulnerable moments. The Saving Our Veterans’ Lives Act would provide free firearm lockboxes to every veteran who requests one; studies have shown that the extra space between a veteran in crisis and their firearm could mean the difference between life and death. This commonsense bill makes a critical investment in protecting America’s best asset — its people.”

“As a combat veteran, who is married to a combat veteran, I know firsthand how critical it is for us to provide those who have served our country with the support they need in good times and bad,” said Senator Sheehy. “I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation that supports our mission to combat veteran suicide and fight to ensure veterans have the resources they need to achieve the same American Dream they fought to defend.”

Since 2012, the VA’s Suicide Prevention Program has distributed free firearm cable locks to any veteran who requests one. However, veterans and other firearm owners overwhelmingly favor lockboxes and safes to secure their guns. Currently, there is a program that offers free lockboxes to veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who are at elevated risks for suicide or self-harm.

The Saving Our Veterans’ Lives Act would build upon this program by:

• Offering lockboxes to veterans with or without identified risks, and with or without VHA-enrollment;
• Allocating sufficient funding for lockboxes;
• Distributing lockboxes both through the VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services (PSAS) and firearm retailers;
• Promoting public education campaigns.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Greg Landsman (D-OH) and John James (R-MI).

The Saving Our Veterans’ Lives Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI-Maine, American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Psychological Association (APA), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. In February, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Senator King was recently honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” In a recent SVAC hearing, Senator King stressed the importance of supporting servicemembers shifting to civilian status; the first few months after leaving active duty are often the most fragile for veterans and put them at an increased risk for self-harm and suicide.

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