WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn from Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, Tuesday, passed bipartisan legislation through the House Veterans Affairs to help prevent veteran suicide. The Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act is named in memory of two Marines who served together in Afghanistan, Iowa’s Corporal Adam Lambert from Adel and Rhode Island’s Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey of Johnston. Both men tragically lost their lives to suicide within a year of leaving the military.  In making the announcement, Representative Nunn said “Adam was a brave servicemember who raised his right hand to serve our country. We are the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Adam and Daniel. I want to thank the Lamberts for their leadership in the face of tragedy as they fight to help every veteran smoothly transition to civilian life. I look forward to passing this legislation on the House Floor soon.”

The suicide rate triples for veterans in the first 12 months following their separation from the military.  According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs report, the veteran suicide rate in Iowa is double the national suicide average. Often, veterans are unaware of the support offered to them through Department of Veteran Affairs.  Adam Lambert’s parents, Dean and Jill Adams, said they are “grateful to Rep. Nunn for continuing to fight for Adam’s legacy,” adding “This is great progress in the fight to save veteran lives.”

The bipartisan legislation—co-led by Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Don Davis (NC-01), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02)— reforms the existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to provide transitioning veterans with tools to better their mental health, resolve service-related mental health issues, and get the help they need. Specifically, the bill:

• Adds provisions to TAP to combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and other mental health related conditions.
• Strengthens the existing Solid Start Program to increase education for veterans about mental health programs that are available to them.

The legislation will now be considered by the House of Representatives. The full text of the bill can be read here.