On the recordSeptember 21, 2020
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4585, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act introduced by Representative Beyer and me. I want to thank my friend, Don Beyer, for leading the effort on the bill. Our bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to conduct a national suicide prevention education campaign. This includes advertising the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The measure also encourages individuals to engage people showing signs of suicidal behavior to provide them with the support that they need. We introduced this legislation to complement the efforts of both the legislation to designate 988 as the suicide hotline and Mr. Katko's legislation to ensure funding to implement the designation. These bills are badly needed by a nation working to emerge from an unprecedented health and economic crisis. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to come together here today and advance these bills, and I reserve the balance of my time.





