Political Quotes

“I have another request. As Americans face job loss, health crises, isolation, and enormous daily stress during the pandemic, the risk of suicide has tragically gone up. The CDC found that since the pandemic began, twice as many Americans report serious consideration of suicide. The rate of suicide risk is especially high among young Americans, minorities, essential workers, and caregivers. Unfortunately, this is hitting our Armed Forces, as well. The Army's Chief of Staff, General McConville, stated that he sees a correlation between COVID and a rise in military suicides. My office recently received a note, a tragically sad note, from a veterans group in Rochester, NY, about a veteran in their region, 50 years of age, unemployed, and struggling during the pandemic. When he stopped receiving the $600 unemployment assistance, he was unable to make his mortgage payments and, unfortunately and sadly, very recently committed suicide. I have no doubt that there are more American veterans out there who are going through the same struggle. Each one is a separate and heartbreaking tragedy. These men and women who risked their lives for us are taking their own lives. It is incumbent upon us to do something about it. Congress can implement suicide prevention initiatives. We may be able to make a difference. The House has passed a number of bills to get suicide prevention funding and new resources out to communities.…”