U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb's bill addressing vets' mental health passes House

May 24-- May 24--A bill from U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb addressing veterans' mental health and wellness has unanimously passed the House.

The Whole Veteran Act, introduced in April by Lamb, D-17, Mount Lebanon, along with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Bucks County, would require the Veterans Administration to provide Congress with information on its Whole Health Program.

According to a statement from Lamb, the program is part of the VA's suicide prevention efforts and the bill would ensure that veterans with mental health have all the resources they need.

"Many doctors have looked at how our system is too expensive and reliant on dangerous drugs. This bipartisan bill will help reform VA health care and give veterans a real choice and greater power to manage their own health care," said Lamb, a Marine Corps veteran. "We know veterans are suffering, there is no time to lose."

"It is imperative that our nation's veterans receive access to the highest quality medical testing and treatment options, including mental health," Fitzpatrick said in the statement. "We need to know if veterans in every community have the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives and are receiving the care they have earned."

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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