U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on June 17 cosponsored a bipartisan bill to help make the transition to civilian life easier for America’s military veterans by improving mental health services.
The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, S. 2096, which is named to honor the memory of two Marines who died by suicide, would make certain improvements in the federal Transition Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Solid Start Program to address mental health issues.
“Service members put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and America owes them a debt of gratitude,” Sen. Ernst said. “We will never forget the life of Cpl. Adam Lambert. This bill honors his memory by fully supporting veterans in their transition into civilian life and providing them access to the highest quality of mental health care.”
Sen. Ernst signed on as the lead original cosponsor of S. 2096, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and has nine other original cosponsors. S. 2096 is companion legislation to the same-named H.R. 2878 released in April by U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI).
Specifically, the bill would amend the U.S. Department of Defense’s TAPS to cover counseling for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, and other mental health conditions associated with service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The bill also would bolster treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Ernst’s office.
“America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Cpl. Adam Lambert. A proud Marine from Iowa, Adam raised his hand to serve our country,” said Rep. Nunn. “Unfortunately, too often the transition back to civilian life is more difficult than it should be. In honor of Adam’s memory, I’m grateful to work with Adam’s parents to make the transition easier for America’s veterans by improving mental health services.”
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.