Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans’ Mental Health

WASHINGTON - Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) backed bipartisan legislation to better support the mental health needs of veterans and servicemembers as they return home. The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act would improve the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Solid Start program by providing increased mental health support for transitioning servicemembers and veterans.

The bill was named in memory of two Marines who lost their lives to suicide: Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Harvey, Jr., of Rhode Island, and Cpl. Adam Lambert of Iowa.

"When I got back from Iraq, I saw a lot of my fellow Marines struggle to adjust to civilian life, and that struggle led many of them to end their lives prematurely," said Senator Gallego. "This bill makes sure that from day one, veterans know where to turn for support. I'm proud to support it to help save lives and ensure the men and women who sacrificed so much for this country aren't left on their own.

This bill would reduce veteran suicide by requiring TAP to provide information to separating servicemembers about the mental health challenges they might face while transitioning to civilian life. It would also require VA's Solid Start program to inform veterans about VA benefits and mental health services available to them at their local VA medical facility.

255 veterans in Arizona lost their lives to suicide in 2022, according to the VA. During the period of 2015-2022, in Arizona, veterans comprised more than one in five suicide victims.

"The Veterans of Foreign Wars proudly supports the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act. Named in honor of two Marines who served together in Afghanistan and tragically died by suicide after returning home, this legislation is a solemn reminder of what is at stake," said Joy Craig, Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Services. "Transitioning from military to civilian life can be one of the most vulnerable times in a veteran's life. This bill gives servicemembers the mental health tools they need, early, clearly, and compassionately, to navigate that difficult transition and resolve service-related challenges before they become crises. No veteran should face that kind of struggle without knowing where to turn for help. The VFW urges swift passage of this commonsense, life-saving legislation."

The Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act was also endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and American Legion.

The full text of the legislation is available HERE.

As a Marine Corps combat veteran, Senator Gallego understands firsthand the importance of strong VA mental health services for service members, veterans, and their families. In the Senate, he has led the fight against the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) cuts at VA, including by fighting to protect the 988 suicide hotline's specified Veterans Crisis Line from cuts that could jeopardize lifesaving mental health support for veterans in crisis. In the House, he also worked to pass the bipartisan PACT Act into law to help veterans secure the benefits and care that they have earned.

11/7/25