County veterans service officers across the country would get some much-needed help from the federal government when it comes to processing claims if a bill backed by Wisconsin U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is approved. Introduced on Wednesday, the bipartisan bill would direct $250 million over five years to CVSOs to help provide the services and solutions for their area veterans. The bill takes aim at lowering the suicide rate among veterans by making sure they get enrolled in programs at Veterans Affairs hospitals. Senator Baldwin is hopeful the money is used to help the most in-need veterans.

A related bill Senator Baldwin also helped introduce would designate 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would also include veteran-specific mental health support services.