Barbara Lee: “I thank the gentleman for yielding and say, once again, that I rise in strong support of this amendment. In any given…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and say, once again, that I rise in strong support of this amendment. In any given year, the percentage of young people with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders is estimated to be between 14 and 20 percent. These disorders among young people interfere with their ability to accomplish developmental tasks, such as healthy interpersonal relationships, succeeding in school, and, ultimately, transitioning into the workforce. Also, early signs of difficulties can help prevent violent outbreaks at school. Now, as a clinical social worker by profession and chair of the Social Work Caucus here in the House of Representatives, I know the importance of addressing the mental health needs of our children where they are, and that is at school. I am proud that the underlying bill that we are considering includes an increase of $13 million for Project AWARE, which supports mental health strategies in schools. School-based mental health needs, including training for school personnel to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, are critically important to identifying and referring children to services. Mr. Chair, I again thank Congressman DeSaulnier and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. DeSaulnier).…”