Herbert C. Conaway

Conaway, Luttrell Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Provide Mental Health Services to Incarcerated Veterans

Position: The release introduces bipartisan legislation to create a pilot program allowing the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, particularly those with service-connected disabilities for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma, and to encourage dedicated veteran housing units in prisons.

Washington D.C. – U.S. Representatives Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ) and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to support mental health services for incarcerated veterans. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment (BACK HOME) Act would create a pilot program to allow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority given to providing services to veterans with a service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST). Currently, the VA is prohibited from providing hospital or inpatient to veterans who are patients or inmates in an institution of another government agency with a duty to provide care or services, such as prisons. Additionally, veterans who are convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 60 days have their disability compensation payments reduced during their imprisonment. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act would create a pilot program that allows the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority to those with a service-connected disability for PTSD, TBI, or MST. The bill also encourages prison facilities to establish dedicated veteran housing units, where possible, to provide an environment more conducive to the discipline, structure, and order familiar to veterans and facilitate more effective treatment, peer support, and rehabilitative efforts. “Service to our country does not end at incarceration, and neither should our commitment to care,” said Congressman Conaway. “As a physician, I’ve seen how untreated conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma can shape the course of a veteran’s life. The Get Justice Involved Vets BACK HOME Act is about closing a dangerous gap in care by ensuring that justice-involved veterans can still access the mental health services they need to heal, rebuild, and successfully reenter their communities. If we are serious about honoring their service, we must also be serious about meeting them with dignity, treatment, and a real pathway forward.” "Every veteran makes a sacred commitment to this nation, and we have a duty to stand by them, no matter where life takes them after their service,” said Congressman Luttrell. "PTSD, TBI, and the invisible wounds of war don't disappear in difficult circumstances, and neither should our commitment to those who've worn the uniform. That means confronting these challenges head-on and making sure these men and women have a real shot to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into the communities they once swore to defend." “Too many of our veterans carry invisible wounds from their service, and far too often those wounds go untreated—especially for those who become incarcerated,” said Senator King. “The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act meets veterans where they are and ensures they receive the care they’ve earned. Expanding mental health services to incarcerated veterans helps give individuals a better path toward stability and rehabilitation.” “Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Senator Ricketts. “We owe them real support. That means confronting PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse head-on before those invisible wounds lead to bigger challenges. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act supports incarcerated veterans by providing sustainable access to mental health services and a guarantee of resumption of benefits upon their release. Our veterans fought for us. I will keep fighting for them.” As of 2023, there were an estimated 15.8 million veterans in the United States, with about 200,000 additional servicemembers transitioning to civilian life each year. In 2016, it was estimated that 107,400 veterans were serving time in state or federal prison. Combat exposure and associated mental and physical health problems, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mood disorders, and substances use disorders, are associated with a greater likelihood of involvement with the criminal justice system amongst veterans. Some studies have suggested that veterans with PTSD are 61% more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system than those without PTSD, and 59% more likely to be arrested for violent offenses.

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on the Joint Military Strikes in Iran

Position: Congressman Conaway opposes the joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes against Iran as unauthorized and reckless, arguing that the President lacks constitutional authority to conduct military action without congressional approval and that such strikes endanger American servicemembers and risk regional escalation.

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD released the following statement regarding the joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes against targets in Iran: “There is much we do not know about the decision to conduct strikes against Iran taken by the President this morning. These actions have directly endangered the lives of American servicemembers and embassy personnel throughout the region. Without a clear strategy, without a full understanding of the risks to our servicemembers, and without assessing the danger of regional escalation, these strikes are reckless and risk yet another endless war in the Middle East. I, like other Members of Congress and the American people, heard the Administration’s claims that the Iranian nuclear program had been destroyed. However, as a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am disappointed that this Administration has not been transparent about their actions in the region, especially the developments from today. The Iranian regime has proven to be brutal. It has repeatedly repressed its own people and killed thousands of protestors. Their malign activities continue to destabilize the region. However, as a veteran, especially as someone who served in the Medical Corps, I understand how serious the implications of any decision to take military action are on our men and women in uniform. Congress alone has the power to declare war. This military action against Iran without congressional authorization is illegal. As soon as Congress reconvenes next week, we will vote on the bipartisan Khanna–Massie War Powers Resolution. This resolution simply reaffirms the Constitution: if a President wants to take this nation to war with Iran, they must first come to Congress and make the case to the American people.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on the Gateway Development Lawsuit

Position: The congressman supports expedited court resolution of the Gateway Development Commission lawsuit to enable release of federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project, which he characterizes as essential infrastructure for regional and national economic strength.

“The Hudson Tunnel Project is one of the most important infrastructure investments in the nation, essential to the safety, reliability, and economic strength of the Northeast Corridor. I urge the court to rule promptly in the case brought by the Gateway Development Commission so that obligated federal grant and loan funds can be released without further delay. Prolonged uncertainty threatens a project that millions of commuters, workers, and businesses rely on every day. A timely decision will allow this critical work to move forward and ensure continued progress on infrastructure that is vital to our region and the country.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on DHS Funding Bill

Position: The congressman opposes increased DHS funding unless the department implements strict oversight and accountability measures for ICE agents, citing incidents of excessive force and constitutional violations.

“For over a year now, ICE agents, operating under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have spread fear in communities across the country. From pepper-spraying children in cars as they drove by and harassing American citizens at their homes through unconstitutional searches, to most recently when an ICE agent shot and killed an American citizen in Minneapolis. DHS has done absolutely nothing to rein in their reckless and poorly trained ICE agents. Rather than making our communities safer, they have made them more dangerous. “DHS doesn’t need more funding—DHS doesn’t deserve more funding. I voted no because I will not give more money to a department that allows dangerous ICE agents to terrorize American citizens. I firmly believe that if DHS wants more funding, it must take serious and significant steps to rein in ICE agents and allow Congress to conduct the oversight that the Constitution grants us.”

Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD Statement on January 6th

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD released the following statement marking the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection: “Today marks five years since the January 6th insurrection. On this solemn anniversary, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders and law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol and protected our democracy under unimaginable circumstances. “However, we must not forget why January 6th happened. After losing the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many Republicans in Congress spent months lying to the American people by falsely claiming the election was stolen. When Trump’s numerous lawsuits failed in court, he attempted to overturn the election through illegal means—pressuring election officials and coordinating a fake elector scheme. Thankfully, these efforts failed, and democracy prevailed. “As we remember the events of January 6th, we must also remember those who stood up against this attack on our democratic system. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Capitol Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies who were placed in grave danger yet fought relentlessly to protect those inside the Capitol and the very foundation of our democracy. We remember those who lost their lives defending the Capitol, and I will continue to keep their family members and loved ones in my thoughts. “Unfortunately, the attempt to subvert our democracy by inciting a violent mob to stop the certification of a free and fair election has gone mostly unpunished, and some of those who participated in the attack have instead been rewarded with presidential pardons. This reality makes it all the more important that we remain vigilant, committed to the truth, and determined to defend our democratic institutions from any future attempts to undermine them.”

Conaway, Durbin, Tillis, Maloy Introduce Legislation to Strengthen and Improve Enforcement of Illegal Tobacco Products

Position: The release advocates for establishing a federal multi-agency task force to coordinate enforcement against illegal importation, distribution, and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced the bicameral and bipartisan Strengthening Task Force Operations to Prevent Illicit Vaping Act (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act). This legislation would establish and strengthen a federal multi-agency task force to coordinate enforcement, information sharing, and strategy to combat the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes. “The rise of illegally imported and unregulated e-cigarettes is a growing threat to public health, legitimate businesses, and the integrity of our enforcement system,” said Congressman Conaway. “As a physician, I understand the urgency of protecting Americans from illegal and dangerous tobacco products. The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens federal task forces on the front lines, equipping them with the tools and coordination necessary to disrupt illegal vaping networks. This bill takes a responsible, enforcement-focused approach to safeguarding communities and ensuring a lawful, transparent marketplace.” “If we hope to prevent the next generation of children from getting hooked on nicotine, we must enforce our existing laws and finally crack down on the illegal e-cigarette products that are flooding stores nationwide,” said Senator Durbin. “My bipartisan legislation, the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act, would cement DOJ and FDA’s task force dedicated to preventing the unlawful sale of these unauthorized vape products.” “The flood of illegal and unregulated e-cigarettes, particularly from China, undermines public health, skirts federal law, and disadvantages businesses that play by the rules,” said Senator Tillis. “The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens coordination among federal agencies to crack down on these illicit products, protect kids from unauthorized nicotine devices, and ensure our laws are enforced as Congress intended.” “There are clear laws on the books governing tobacco and vaping products, but those laws only matter if they’re enforced,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy. “The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act strengthens enforcement by improving coordination across agencies so illegal operators can’t take advantage of gaps in the system.” For the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act bill text click here. The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act is cosponsored by: Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids strongly supports the legislation introduced by Rep. Conaway and Rep. Maloy to help ensure the federal government is taking comprehensive enforcement action against the many illegal e-cigarette products that are currently on the market. We commend their efforts to prevent illegal e-cigarettes from being imported, distributed and sold in the United States and to hold bad actors accountable for endangering the health of our kids,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Across the U.S., more than 1.6 million middle and high school students vape, and nearly 90% use e-cigarettes flavored like fruit, dessert or mint. Unfortunately, many of the e-cigarettes youth use are being illegally sold in the U.S. Keeping these illegal, addictive and harmful products out of the hands of children requires strong coordination across federal agencies. We commend Representative Conaway’s leadership in introducing legislation to codify the multi-agency taskforce responsible for combatting illicit e-cigarettes,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Pediatricians too often see the health impacts of e-cigarette use on our patients, and we know that many of the addictive nicotine devices that end up in the hands of young people are being sold unlawfully. The STOP Illicit Vaping Act would take important strides toward removing unauthorized e-cigarette products from the market and keeping them away from children and teens. We look forward to seeing Congress move this bill forward,” said Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vapes Act is a meaningful step forward in curbing unauthorized e-cigarettes and pushing back against the tobacco industry's efforts to hook a new generation on these addictive and harmful products. We’re grateful to Congressman Herb Conaway, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, Senator Dick Durbin, and Senator Thom Tillis for their leadership on this legislation that works to protect public health,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Conaway, Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Track Tobacco Products

Position: The release advocates for legislation establishing a national track-and-trace system requiring unique tracking codes on all tobacco products to improve supply chain accountability, prevent illegal tobacco trafficking, and reduce youth access to e-cigarettes.

Washington D.C. — Today, Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the tobacco Tracking, Reporting, and Accountability for Compliance in Enforcement Act (The Tobacco TRACE Act). This legislation would establish a national track-and-trace system requiring all tobacco products to carry unique, secure tracking codes by June of next year, improving accountability and enforcement across the supply chain. “For too long, gaps in our tobacco oversight system have allowed illicit products to slip through the cracks, undermining public health and law enforcement alike,” said Congressman Conaway. “The Tobacco TRACE Act brings accountability into the 21st century by establishing a secure, national track-and-trace system for tobacco products. By requiring unique, tamper-resistant tracking codes by June 1, 2026, this legislation will strengthen enforcement across the entire supply chain, crack down on illegal tobacco trafficking, and ensure manufacturers and distributors are playing by the rules. This is a commonsense step to protect consumers, support compliance, and give regulators the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.” “Overly lax oversight of tobacco means illegal and harmful versions of this already-deadly product are more likely to end up on shelves, erode public health and needlessly increase medical system costs," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "By swiftly establishing a strong track-and-trace system, we will help get these bad-actor products off the market, ensure everyone plays by the rules, and ultimately, reduce tobacco use. Consumers need regulators to have all the tools they need to do this work. This bill does that.” For the Tobacco TRACE Act bill text click here. The Tobacco TRACE Act is cosponsored by: Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) The Tobacco TRACE Act by the following organizations: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign forTobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. “With over 1.6 million middle and high schoolers in the U.S. reporting use of e-cigarettes – many of which are being sold unlawfully – it is critical that we have the tools necessary to protect young people from these harmful products. The Tobacco TRACE Act is one important way we can address the availability of these unauthorized products, helping prevent young people from obtaining them in the first place. Pediatricians call on Congress to support this vital measure,” said Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids strongly supports the legislation introduced by Rep. Conaway and Rep. Wasserman Schultz to require codes on the labels of tobacco products to help track the products throughout the supply chain. We commend their efforts to prevent illegal e-cigarettes and other tobacco products from being imported, distributed and sold in the United States and to hold bad actors accountable forendangering the health of our kids,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Illegal tobacco products continue to move through the supply chain unchecked, making it easier for these products to reach store shelves and kids’ hands. Effective enforcement depends on being able to monitor tobacco products as they move from production or import to retail, and to trace products back to their source. We commend Representative Conaway’s leadership in introducing legislation to require codes on tobacco products labels for the purpose of tracking or tracing,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.