Miller-Meeks & Ernst Push Bipartisan Bill Supporting Servicemembers’ Mental Health and Transition to Civilian Life
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, April 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) are introducing bipartisan legislation in the Senate and House to support the mental health needs of servicemembers and veterans as they return to civilian life in their local communities. In the House, Miller-Meeks joined Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), Jim Langevin (RI-02), and Sara Jacobs (CA-53) to introduce the legislation. The Senate companion was introduced by Ernst and Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act—which was named to honor the memory of two Marines who died by suicide, Iowan Cpl. Adam Lambert and Rhode Islander Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Harvey Jr.—would create a pilot program to add a new component to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Specifically, the bill is designed to counsel servicemembers about mental health, the challenges that they might face during the transition to civilian life and how that might affect their mental health, and the services available to them at their local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility.
“Cpl. Adam Lambert and Lance Cpl. Daniel Harvey were American heroes. We are all well aware of the difficulties many servicemembers have transitioning to civilian life and we owe it to our veterans to help them during this challenging time,” said Miller-Meeks. “It is so important that we continue to end the stigma around mental health treatment and encourage everyone to get help when they need it. This is yet another bipartisan piece of legislation that will honor an Iowa hero and improve mental health in our veteran community.”
“We can never forget the lives of Marine Corps veterans Cpl. Adam Lambert and Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Harvey Jr., two heroes who fought bravely to defend our country," said Ernst. We owe it to them, to their fellow service members, and to their friends and family to work in a bipartisan way to provide resources for our veterans who are adjusting to civilian life and may be facing serious challenges. Our nation has a duty to our veterans and their loved ones to ensure that our heroes have the care and support they are promised when they return home, and this bipartisan legislation will help do exactly that.”
“We can never repay our servicemen and women for the sacrifice they make to keep our country safe,” said Gonzalez. “Unfortunately, the transition for these brave men and women back into civilian life can be challenging. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will help address the mental health issues our servicemen and women face and assist them with adjusting to civilian life.”
“We know the first year post-separation is a critical period for servicemembers and their families, and we must do a better job highlighting potential mental health stressors. By providing a direct link for veterans at their local VA facilities, it helps to ensure they can connect with providers and the resources that can best address their needs,” said Brown. “Our bill gets us one step closer to bridging this gap in care by requiring VA to take proactive measures to address mental health issues faced by servicemembers, and reducing the pressure to seek care that they may not realize they need.”
“Rhode Islander Lance Corporal Daniel Harvey Jr. was an American hero who bravely served his country. Sadly, Daniel suffered from PTSD, a condition that has afflicted so many of our nation’s warriors once they return home from combat," said Langevin. “This bipartisan legislation will improve access to quality mental health care for our women and men in uniform and help them transition back into their communities safely. I am committed to advancing this bill alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate for Daniel’s sake and for the countless other veterans struggling to cope with the hidden scars of battle.”
“Servicemembers who return home bearing invisible wounds of war too often don’t receive the mental health services they need,” said Whitehouse. “Johnston’s own Lance Corporal Daniel Harvey Jr. was a hero and our community lost him long before his time. It is a privilege to introduce bipartisan legislation named in his honor to ensure that veterans receive the best care available.”
“San Diego is home to one of the largest populations of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families around the country,” said Jacobs. “Many of these servicemembers have made San Diego their home, and it is our responsibility to honor their sacrifice by providing comprehensive services as they transition to civilian life. The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act helps us meet that goal. We are giving the Veterans Administration additional tools to reach out to those who need it most. This bipartisan bill will help honor their commitment to our country and uphold our duty to return servicemembers safely home to their families.”
“This legislation extends mental health care support to servicemembers in need,” said Blumenthal. “Our men and women in uniform face immense challenges while on active duty, and need more mental health resources to help them and their families through the toughest moments which can often come during their transitions back to civilian life. I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to enhance these vital health services for our nation’s bravest.”
Background:
The pilot program would be established at ten different Transition Assistance Center locations, which serve at least 300 members annually.
TAP counseling would include discussion related to possible loss of community or identity crises while transitioning to civilian life, as well as the five stages of grief. Servicemembers would be provided with information regarding the mental health programs and benefits at their local VA facility. The bill would also require servicemembers to submit their medical records to the VA regardless of whether they chose to utilize benefits.
The bill would also require a social worker or mental health professional from their local VA to call the servicemember within 90 days of transitioning to set up an appointment. After an assessment, the Secretaries of Defense and VA would assess whether to expand the pilot program after five years.
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