An Iraq War vet injured by a bomb in 2003 provided a picture of the human costs of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee when he told lawmakers  how he received care for post-traumatic stress disorder only after he attempted suicide, according to a story by Politico.

Daniel Williams said Thursday that in 2004 he locked himself in his bathroom, took out his .45 and shoved it into his mouth, according to the Politico report.

He said his former wife, Carol, called the police and when they arrived, he argued with them, according to Politico.

"When they kicked open the door I pulled the trigger, but by the grace of God the weapon misfired,” Williams was quoted as saying.

Williams told the committee that the VA's community outreach to veterans needs to be improved and added that "the current system “makes you want to give up,” the Politico report says.

Read more about Williams' story in the Politico report.