The House included two amendments sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that passed on Friday in a 315-108 vote.
Thompson’s first amendment extends the Transition Assistance Management Program by 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine. TAMP offers health care coverage for service members and their family members as they transition into civilian life.
Symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress do not appear until nearly a year after deployment. Thompson said his reform would help service members transition to civilian life without the burden or fear of losing access to critical services at a time when they need it most.
Thompson’s second amendment addresses the recruitment screening policy at the Department of Defense that currently includes physical evaluations but not mental or behavioral assessments.
“Suicide rates are on the rise for those who have served in a combat-related role,” Thompson said. “More alarmingly, suicide rates are trending upward for men and women who have never been deployed. By implementing a preliminary mental health assessment during the recruiting process, the Department of Defense can bring mental health in line with physical health.”
Thompson said the overall bill is an improvement to current policy that will help ensure a more seamless process for service members as they transition from military to civilian life, including those coping with mental and physical injuries.