Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, many Americans know someone who is struggling with a mental illness . . . but we often do not know how to help. For too long . . . stigma has prevented us from seeking the lifesaving information we need to best help someone experiencing a mental health crisis. By equipping our first responders . . . law enforcement personnel . . . and educators with training and knowledge . . . Mental Health First Aid courses are helping break down barriers and de-escalate crises in our communities. We have seen positive results from these courses in Sacramento . . . and across the country. By passing H.R. 1877 today . . . we reauthorize important grant funding that will allow for the implementation of the Mental Health First Aid model nationally. I want to thank Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins for her work on this important legislation. Today represents one step forward in our efforts to address the mental health crisis in this country. Yet . . . the need for comprehensive reform remains. We need to put adequate resources toward our behavioral health workforce . . . and ensure parity between physical and mental health care for all Americans. I will continue to strongly advocate for a legislative framework that supports this entire spectrum of care . . . and I urge my colleagues to join me in those efforts. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R.…”