A recent bill introduced by California Rep. Mike Levin would provide better placement in counseling pathways offered under the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

“One of my top priorities is ensuring that servicemembers have all of the support they need to start a new career when they leave the service, and the Transition Assistance Program is fundamental to that effort,” said Levin in a press release.

The bill builds on the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 by adding new factors to help counselors aid service members in a successful transition, Military Times reports.

These factors include child care requirements, employment status of other family members in a household, location of duty station, the “operating tempo” on the member and their household, and if a member is Indian or urban Indian.

“These resources are also critical as we work to address veteran suicide, which can often be driven by economic distress. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure these much-needed fixes are made as soon as possible,” wrote Levin.

Photo by U.S. Air Force/Michelle Gigante