[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.

                          ____________________