Tina Smith: “today, I rise with my colleagues Senator Dodd and Senator Reed to introduce an important bill for our youth, the Garrett…”

“today, I rise with my colleagues Senator Dodd and Senator Reed to introduce an important bill for our youth, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2007. Nearly 3 years ago, the Senate first passed this Act with 39 cosponsors. At that time, we heard an outpouring of support and sharing from other members of the Senate who have lost members of their families. On September 9, 2004, my son Garrett's birthday, the House and Senate passed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act with overwhelming support. I remain thankful for their wisdom and support of the important programs this Act created that focused on youth suicide prevention. As I said in 2004, this Act represents the best of American Government, an opportunity when our Nation's elected officials can come together, put aside their political parties and politics, to debate and pass legislation. During the last 3 years, this effort has resulted in nearly $65 million in suicide prevention and intervention funding to States, tribes, and on our Nation's higher education institutions.”