Morgan Luttrell | Official U.S. House headshot
Morgan Luttrell | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) successfully passed an amendment to the Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act of 2024, securing funding for clinical trials on psychedelics as a potential treatment for brain injuries sustained by servicemembers and veterans. The amendment received bipartisan support and was hailed as a significant step towards providing innovative therapies for those who have bravely served our country.
Speaking on the House Floor in support of his amendment, Congressman Luttrell emphasized the importance of exploring new avenues to address the challenges faced by servicemembers and veterans. He stated, "I am proud to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle support my amendment to fund clinical research into emerging therapies to treat traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other combat-related injuries. I can personally attest to the significant benefits of this treatment. It changed my life, and further research will give us the chance to save the lives of those that have bravely served our country and are in need. We must continue to explore all avenues and think outside of the box when the lives of our service members and veterans are at stake. I’m confident support for these innovative treatments will continue to gain momentum."
Under Congressman Luttrell's amendment, $15 million will be allocated for a psychedelic clinical trial authorized in the House version of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These trials aim to address Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and other combat-related injuries that servicemembers and veterans often face.
It is important to note that the amendment does not authorize the use of these therapies outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) clinical research trials. Additionally, the amendment does not decriminalize, reschedule, or change the legal status of any substances involved in the research.
Congressman Luttrell's amendment marks a significant milestone in advancing research and providing potential breakthroughs in the treatment of brain injuries and combat-related mental health conditions. As the amendment gains momentum, it is expected to contribute to the overall well-being and improved quality of life for our servicemembers and veterans.
To watch Congressman Luttrell's speech in support of the amendment, please click here and here.
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