On the recordSeptember 13, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Sinema for putting this on for 4 years in a row because this is such an important topic that we all need to be engaged in as a nation. Mr. Speaker, as Ms. Sinema and I came in together, she has hosted this Special Order, and I thank her for calling it to the attention of America. Last year, I remember we stood here on the House floor talking about 22 suicides per day, but the current figures say 20. I would like to think that part of that reason for a decrease in that is the effort that she has inspired people to be more aware of this issue. And I hope that the veterans out there, the people in trouble, are watching C-SPAN tonight and they are watching this presentation, this talk that is coming out of the heart of so many Members of Congress talking about this very important issue and letting them know that we are here and that we are aware of this. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a country, we need to use this platform to make it a national priority every hour, every day, every month of the year. With a reduction of two suicides per day, that is a great thing, but 20 is way too many. Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. I urge all Americans to take the time to learn the warning signs and where to find help for someone who may be struggling.…





