Jake Ellzey Passes First Bill as a United States Congressman

On November 16th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5516, Congressman Jake Ellzey's VITAL Assessment Act.

H.R. 5516, as passed, will help provide critical mental health care and support to student veterans by improving the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Integration Academic Leadership, or VITAL, Program.

In 2011, VA launched the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership program – or the VITAL Program - to provide mental health services to student veterans on college campuses. Since its inception, the VITAL Program has helped hundreds of thousands of students and has grown to 183 locations nationwide.

"It's truly an honor to bring H.R. 5516, the VITAL Assessment Act, to the House Floor. Our veterans need our help, and we're here to answer that call. The VITAL Program works. It's time that we have the data on how well it works and where it can be improved. The impact this legislation will have on our student veterans will be felt for generations to come." Said, Ellzey. "I want to thank Ranking Member Bost for co-sponsoring this legislation and my colleagues for their support on this bill. The vote today sent a message to all of our Veterans that Congress supports you."

“Student veterans have unique needs and experiences that can make college particularly challenging,” said Ranking Member Bost. “Congress must ensure that the programs VA has created to help alleviate that stress are meeting veterans’ needs. That’s why I am so proud that my friend, Rep. Ellzey’s first bill, the VITAL Assessment Act, passed out of the House today. This bill will provide key insight into how well VA is supporting the mental health of student veterans and helping them achieve their educational goals.”