WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today passed bipartisan legislation through the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act is named in memory of two Marines who served in Afghanistan together, Iowa’s Corporal Adam Lambert from Adel and Rhode Island’s Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey of Johnston. Both men tragically lost their lives to suicide within a year of leaving the military.
“Iowa’s Cpl. Adam Lambert was a proud Marine and a brave serviceman who raised his hand to serve our country. America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Adam,” said Rep. Nunn. “Unfortunately, the transition back to civilian life is harder than it should be. In Adam’s memory, I’m proud to work with his parents on this legislation to make that transition easier by improving mental health services.”
The suicide rate triples for veterans in the first 12 months following their separation from the military. In Iowa, the veteran suicide rate is four times higher than the national average. Often times, veterans are unaware of the support offered to them through Department of Veteran Affairs.
“We miss Adam so much and are proud to see his legacy live on as we fight alongside Congressman Nunn to help other veterans,” said Dean and Jill Lambert, Adam’s parents. “We are so grateful to see this progress in the fight to save lives.”
The bipartisan legislation—co-led by Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Don Davis (NC-01), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02)—reforms the existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to provide transitioning veterans with tools to better their mental health, resolve service-related mental health issues, and get the help they need.
Specifically, the bill:
- Adds provisions to TAP to combat PTSD, depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and other mental health related conditions.
- Strengthens the existing Solid Start Program to increase education for veterans about mental health programs that are available to them.
The legislation will now be considered by the full House Veterans Affairs Committee before moving to the House Floor. The full text of the bill can be read here.