Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment. We all know mental health is a major problem in our country. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 50 million Americans from all walks of life suffer from a mental health issue. One such population extremely close to my heart is veterans. With around 20 veteran and servicemember suicides per day, I consider one death to be too many. The amendment before us, however, is trying to solve a problem that, frankly, just doesn't exist. There is plenty of research already being conducted featuring the use of schedule I drugs to treat mental illness and addiction. The amendment will do nothing to change this, despite its claims to the contrary. What the amendment will actually do is repeal an existing provision that limits the use of funds to promote legalization of schedule I drugs. The amendment also repeals a provision that specifically allows Federal funds to be used to research the therapeutic uses of these substances. The stated purpose of this amendment, which is to support this research on behalf of those who suffer from critical diseases, is contradictory to the actual effect. Therefore, because of the disingenuous nature and intent of this amendment, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1845”