Increasing Support for America's Heroes Rep. Stivers holds a press conference for the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, along with Rep. Rice, Rep. Fortenberry, Rep. Sherrill, Rep. Slotkin, and Rep. Waltz.

I also introduced the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which now has over 300 cosponsors and will soon be brought for a vote. Research conducted by Kaiser Permanente and Purdue University has shown that working with dogs can make a real difference in veterans' lives. By allowing veterans to adopt their canine partners after the training is completed, this bill goes one step further to improve interpersonal relationships, lower risk of substance abuse, and reduce symptoms of PTS and depression.

We are losing nearly 22 veterans a day to suicide, and that is unacceptable. This is an important step forward to help our heroes, and I am hopeful this bill will cross the finish line this year.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is open 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
 

Improving Maternal Health  Pictured above, Rep. Stivers spends time with Zero to Three's Bry'Ann and her mother LaTeeya to discuss the importance of early childhood development and healthy mothers and children.

In 2019, the infant mortality rate in Ohio went down, but we need to do more. The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act would improve maternal health and prevent infant mortality nationwide. It's now one step closer to becoming law.

Specifically, the grants included in this legislation would provide community-based organizations the tools they need to improve training for prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care. In addition, this legislation addresses complications experienced by mothers in rural and underserved areas by providing grants to improve telehealth resources and networks, a solution that experts know can save lives. 

Securing More Tools to Preserve our Great Lakes Rep. Stivers visits the Great Lakes, one of Ohio's treasures.

As an Eagle Scout, I am thrilled we passed the Great Lakes Restoration Act and permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We need to continue pushing for policies that will preserve our Great Lakes for future generations of Americans to enjoy.

Also, I am proud the Natural Resources Land Management Act was signed into law with overwhelming bipartisan support so that our kids can continue experiencing America's public lands. This bill reauthorizes the Every Kid Outdoors Act to help ensure that all children can access the benefits of spending time in nature. Exploring, reading, socializing, and learning outdoors has proven to improve health, cognitive skills, social development, overall happiness, and to reduce stress levels for children. We need to do all we can to eliminate barriers and provide equal access to our natural wonders. 

Furthering Innovation at Rickenbacker Rep. Stivers speaks at the unveiling of the KC-135 simulator at Rickenbacker.

Rickenbacker is now home to the best training available thanks to the KC-135 simulator. I was proud to help secure this equipment and increase preparedness for troops at the base and across the country. In addition to the readiness of our forces, this is an economic boost for the region as troops from across the country will travel to Rickenbacker to train. 

Keeping Our Allies Safe Rep. Stivers speaks at a press conference in support of the Afghan Allies Protection Act.

I introduced the Afghan Allies Protection Act to increase the number of Special Immigrant Visas available to foreign allies who served as translators, and it was signed into law as part of the NDAA last month. When I was deployed in the Middle East, I worked with foreign allies who were critical to our missions. They never turned their back on us, and we cannot turn our back on them. This law will help bring our allies to safety as they face threats from extremists in places like Iraq and Afghanistan because of their service to the U.S.