Bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) to support United States military veterans as they transition to civilian life became law on Wednesday with President Joe Biden’s signature.
“I was proud to introduce this bill to ensure the brave men and women who have served our country don’t slip through the cracks,” Rep. Joyce said. “The transition to civilian life is not always an easy one, but with this bill now signed into law, our veterans will have better access to the care and support they need to live healthy, happy and successful lives.”
The Solid Start Act of 2022, S. 1198, introduced in April 2021 by U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), makes permanent the Solid Start program, which contacts veterans three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty to connect them with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits.
Rep. Joyce and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in April 2021 also introduced their chamber’s version, the identical H.R. 2819, which also prioritizes outreach to veterans who accessed mental health resources prior to separation, according to the text of the bill.
The son of a WWII veteran, Rep. Joyce has made improving services and care for veterans one of his top priorities in Congress, according to his staff, and during the current 117th Congress, the congressman has cosponsored more than 50 pieces of legislation to improve the quality of life for veterans.