South Iowa News

On May 3, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed Representative Zach Nunn's bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing veteran suicide. The bill, known as the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, is a significant step towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

In memory of two Marines, Corporal Adam Lambert and Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey, who tragically lost their lives to suicide after serving in Afghanistan, the bipartisan legislation holds a special significance. Representative Nunn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on this critical issue, stating, "America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Cpl. Adam Lambert. A proud Marine, Adam raised his hand to serve our country."

Dean and Jill Lambert, the parents of Corporal Adam Lambert, also shared their thoughts on the legislation, saying, “We’re proud to see his legacy live on through this critical legislation that will help save veterans’ lives.”

The bill addresses the alarming statistic that the suicide rate for veterans triples in the first 12 months following their separation from the military, with Iowa experiencing a veteran suicide rate four times higher than the national average. Many veterans are unaware of the mental health support available to them through the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The legislation focuses on reforming the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to equip transitioning veterans with the necessary tools to improve their mental health, address service-related mental health issues, and access the support they need. Specifically, the bill includes provisions to combat PTSD, depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and other mental health conditions, while also strengthening the Solid Start Program to enhance veterans' education about available mental health programs.

Representative Nunn highlighted the importance of the bill during a press conference in Ankeny, where he stood alongside the Lambert family to announce the successful passage of the legislation. The bill, co-led by Representatives Seth Magaziner, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Don Davis, and Jen Kiggans, now awaits consideration in the Senate.

The text of the bill and further details on the bipartisan efforts can be found on the official website.