[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2691-H2693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DANIEL J. HARVEY, JR. AND ADAM LAMBERT IMPROVING SERVICEMEMBER
TRANSITION TO REDUCE VETERAN SUICIDE ACT
Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and pass the bill (H.R. 3722) to require a pilot program on activities
under the pre-separation transition process of members of the Armed
Forces for a reduction in suicide among veterans, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3722
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and
Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce
Veteran Suicide Act''.
SEC. 2. ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
AND THE SOLID START PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Transition Assistance Program of the Department of
Defense.--Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``(11),'' before ``and
(16)''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following:
``(11) Information concerning mental health, including--
``(A) the availability of mental health services furnished
by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or a non-profit entity;
``(B) the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder,
traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders, depression,
chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, or other
mental health conditions associated with service in the armed
forces;
``(C) the risk of suicide, including signs, symptoms, and
risk factors (including adverse childhood experiences,
depression, bipolar disorder, homelessness, unemployment, and
relationship strain);
``(D) the availability of treatment options and resources
to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription
drug, and opioid abuse;
``(E) the potential effects of the loss of community and
support systems experienced by a member separating from the
armed forces;
``(F) isolation from family, friends, or society; and
``(G) the potential stressors associated with separation
from the armed forces.''.
(b) Solid Start Program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.--Section 6320(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as
subparagraphs (I) and (J), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(G) assisting eligible veterans who elect to enroll in
the system of patient enrollment under section 1705(a) of
this title;
``(H) educating veterans about mental health and counseling
services available through the Veterans Health
Administration;''.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report on the
information and materials developed pursuant to the
amendments made by this Act.
(d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this
section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia.
General Leave
Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3722, the Daniel J. Harvey,
Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce
Veteran Suicide Act.
I commend the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) for introducing this
legislation and for his leadership on this important issue.
H.R. 3722 seeks to improve the Transition Assistance Program run by
the Department of Defense and the Solid Start program run by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. Both programs provide critical
assistance to the over 200,000 warfighters who transition to civilian
life each year.
Every departing servicemember is required to complete the TAP program
before leaving the service. The program provides valuable information,
education, and training on veteran benefits, financial planning, how to
find a job and start a business, as well as mental health resources
available to servicemembers and their families.
Departing military service can be a very stressful time for
servicemembers and their families. Servicemembers often experience
feelings of isolation and loss of community that can exacerbate other
mental health conditions. H.R. 3722 seeks to ensure that all departing
servicemembers receive information on how to recognize and cope with
these stressors, as well as help them identify risk factors for
suicide.
On behalf of the Armed Services Committee, we look forward to working
with the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) as this bill moves forward to
address some issues that may hinder its proper execution by the DOD.
[[Page H2692]]
It is important that we regularly review transition programs like TAP
and Solid Start and make sure they are meeting the needs of our
departing servicemembers and their families.
The men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice tremendously when
they agree to serve our Nation. When that service is complete, the
least we can do is ensure they have an opportunity for a healthy and
successful civilian life. That is the goal of H.R. 3722.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
I join my colleague, Representative Kiggans of Virginia, and rise in
support of H.R. 3722, the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert
Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act.
As a proud United States Air Force veteran and voice for over 46,000
veterans in North Carolina's First Congressional District, I was proud
to join my friend and colleague, Representative Zach Nunn, in
introducing this bipartisan bill last year ahead of Memorial Day
weekend.
The suicide rate in our military ranks and among our veterans is
unacceptable. We must not have servicemembers put themselves in harm's
way fighting for our country only to return home to take their own
lives.
By requiring the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs to jointly pursue a 5-year pilot program, H.R. 3722 will help
assess the feasibility of providing specified counseling and services
as part of the Transition Assistance Program.
This bill will close the information gap and ensure veterans can
access the services they need when and where they need them.
When our Active-Duty personnel take off their uniforms and begin to
transition to civilian life, we must ensure they have the mental health
resources and support they need not only to survive but thrive.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn).
Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of
Adam Lambert, a proud marine from Adel, Iowa.
Adam brought joy and laughter to his mother, Jill, and his father,
Dean. He was a protective brother to his sisters, McKenzie and Anna.
Adam put himself before his country, his friends, his family, and his
service.
During boot camp, Adam met a fellow marine named Daniel Harvey from
Rhode Island. Together, these two became friends and stayed connected
through their deployments and return to civilian life.
At 22 years old, sadly, Daniel died by suicide just a year after he
left the Marines, and tragically, as was noted, Adam followed him less
than a month later.
Unfortunately, Adam and Daniel's story all too often is becoming more
common among our veterans. Veteran suicide is a casualty of war, one
that demands immediate attention and action by this Congress.
The truth is that when our men and women in uniform leave the
service, that transition to civilian life can be extremely difficult
and often leaves servicemembers feeling very much left alone.
This is something I have witnessed firsthand as a 20-year combat
veteran--as others have highlighted here from their military service--
and as a squadron commander in the Air Force. You saw airmen struggle
with the realities of life when they transitioned from service in
defense of this Nation.
The pressure of employment, lack of fellowship, substance abuse, and
finding a purpose weigh on all of our veterans as they return to
civilian life, and many of our brothers and sisters sadly do not make
it.
We need to do more to ensure that veterans are aware of the resources
available to them as they leave the Armed Forces.
In honor of Adam and Daniel, as well as countless other
servicemembers, I introduced the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert
Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act.
This bipartisan legislation led by veterans makes critical
improvements to the Transition Assistance Program to provide
servicemembers who are returning home with access to mental health
resources, more frequent VA check-ins, and clear communication about
available assistance programs as they navigate their return from the
battlefield and before it is too late.
I thank all who have served our Nation for their service, and I
strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support
and pass this critical legislation.
Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Nunn
for bringing this bill forward, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks).
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Kiggans for the
opportunity to speak.
I stand before you today in support of H.R. 3722, the Daniel J.
Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to
Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, which is co-led by my colleague from Iowa,
Representative Zach Nunn.
Our brave men and women in uniform have sacrificed immeasurably to
defend our Nation and uphold our freedoms, and as a 24-year veteran, I
know only too well that when they return home, many face significant
challenges transitioning back to civilian life. Too often, these
challenges lead to tragic outcomes, including the heartbreaking reality
of veteran suicide.
This bipartisan bill presents an opportunity for us to take
meaningful action to address this crisis. By implementing a pilot
program to enhance the pre-separation transition process for our
servicemembers, we can provide them with the necessary support and
resources to navigate this challenging period successfully.
The proposed model outlined in this bill offers comprehensive
education on the potential risks and challenges facing our
transitioning servicemembers, including issues such as post-traumatic
stress disorder, substance use disorders, and homelessness.
Additionally, it provides vital information on available resources
and treatment options through the Department of Veterans Affairs and
other organizations.
Furthermore, by offering individualized services such as assessments
of eligibility for VA healthcare and counseling and coordination of
healthcare based on individual needs, we can ensure that our veterans
receive the support they deserve as they reintegrate back into civilian
life.
This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral imperative. We must
always stand for our military and honor our veterans. By supporting
H.R. 3722, we reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling this sacred duty.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Iowa, Representative Nunn,
for introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues on both
sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this bill and taking
decisive action to reduce veteran suicide rates and ensure that those
who have served our country receive the support and care they need and
deserve.
Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers,
and I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, as we conclude today on this vital legislation, I am
compelled to emphasize the significance of the issue at hand.
According to the VA's ``2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention
Annual Report,'' 6,392 veterans died by suicide in 2021--114 more than
the previous year. This rate is more than double that of the civilian
adult population, underscoring a crisis that requires immediate and
decisive action.
The stories of Corporal Adam Lambert and Lance Corporal Daniel J.
Harvey, Jr., who both tragically lost their lives to suicide shortly
after serving our country in Afghanistan, remind us that we must do
more.
The enhancement of DOD and VA transition assistance programs in H.R.
3722 will ensure that every servicemember leaving the military is not
only aware of but also able to access resources to address mental
health conditions, substance use disorders, and
[[Page H2693]]
other risk factors associated with suicide.
To honor the legacy of our fallen, we must recommit ourselves to our
servicemembers and veterans, our real heroes.
Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to
support the legislation. Again, I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr.
Nunn) for introducing this legislation, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
{time} 1945
Mrs. KIGGANS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, just to reiterate some of the
statements and points that have been made by my fellow veteran
colleagues, it is hard to transition out of the military.
We wake up every day with a mission, and that is a great mission--to
defend our great Nation. We are part of a team, and it gets us out of
bed in the morning. There is no better, no higher calling than that.
The day that that stops and the day that you are not a part of that
team, and you might not know what is next ahead in life, and there is a
lot of transition with a lot unknown, it is hard. We have to do better
for our servicemen and -women that are transitioning out.
We are so thankful for the service of the two young Marines that we
spoke about today, but even one veteran suicide is too many.
I know that even in my district in Hampton Roads, Virginia, when we
take ships out of commission, we put them in the yards, or we put
people on medical hold, we have seen suicides there as well.
Again, taking those servicemembers out of their role, their mission
of defending the country every day and putting them in a holding pen,
is very hard on their mental health. When we transition them out of the
service, there is no more challenging time than that.
This is the least we can do. It is a step in the right direction, but
education is a powerful tool. It is one of the tools we have here in
Congress.
Mandating that this education be given to our servicemen and -women
who are often young people transitioning out who have great lives
ahead, long lives ahead, and just helping them to know what resources
are available to them, especially for mental health, can be such a
challenging time.
I urge all of my colleagues here to support this bill. I look forward
to supporting it myself, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3722, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________