House Adopts Rep. Susie Lee’s Amendment to Address Gambling Addiction Among Servicemembers
Washington, DC - Late last night, Rep. Susie Lee's (NV-03) amendment to address gambling addiction among servicemembers was adopted by the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This amendment would require the Department of Defense to formally categorize gambling addiction as a behavioral health disorder, requiring the DOD to treat gambling disorders the same way they treat mental health and substance abuse disorders. Rep. Lee introduced the Gambling Addiction Prevention (GAP) Act yesterday, with this amendment included as a provision.
Rep. Lee released the following statement:
"Gambling addiction is a serious disorder, and should be treated that way by our country--especially when it comes to our servicemembers and veterans. My amendment will require the DOD to treat gambling addiction as a health issue, which means servicemembers on military bases will have greater resources to treat, prevent, and reduce gambling addiction. I introduced the Gambling Addiction Prevention Act yesterday with Senators Warren and Daines, and I am so pleased that a provision of that bill was adopted as an amendment today. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for our country, the least we can do is look out for their health, safety, and financial security. This amendment will help do exactly that."