Veterans suicide prevention plans take a big step forward, but still face tough political hurdles

Senate lawmakers advanced a major veterans suicide prevention initiative on Wednesday, creating a potential legislative path for the action on the issue by the end of the year.

But the measure also could turn into yet another election-year partisan fight if party leaders can’t find quick compromises on lingering policy differences.

The bill, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, has been stalled in the chamber since last year but was approved without objection as lawmakers prepare for their upcoming August recess.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee...