U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Facebook Website
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Facebook Website
U.S. Representative Zach Nunn has successfully advanced bipartisan legislation through the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The bill, named the Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, honors two Marines who served in Afghanistan: Iowa’s Corporal Adam Lambert and Rhode Island’s Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey. Both men died by suicide within a year of leaving military service.
"Iowa’s Cpl. Adam Lambert was a proud Marine and a brave serviceman who raised his hand to serve our country. America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Adam," stated Rep. Nunn. "Unfortunately, the transition back to civilian life is harder than it should be. In Adam’s memory, I’m proud to work with his parents on this legislation to make that transition easier by improving mental health services."
Statistics indicate that the suicide rate for veterans triples during their first year after leaving the military, with Iowa's veteran suicide rate being four times higher than the national average. Many veterans are not aware of the support available through the Department of Veteran Affairs.
"We miss Adam so much and are proud to see his legacy live on as we fight alongside Congressman Nunn to help other veterans," said Dean and Jill Lambert, Adam’s parents. "We are so grateful to see this progress in the fight to save lives."
The legislation is co-led by Representatives Seth Magaziner, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Don Davis, and Jen Kiggans. It aims to reform the existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by providing transitioning veterans with tools for better mental health management and resolving service-related mental health issues.
The bill includes provisions to address PTSD, depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and other mental health conditions while strengthening the Solid Start Program to enhance education about available mental health programs for veterans.
The next step for this legislation is consideration by the full House Veterans Affairs Committee before it proceeds to a vote on the House Floor.
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