Political Quotes

“I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy and her leadership on this, and I appreciate my good friend from Pennsylvania in his eloquence and his tireless championship in this area. Mr. Chairman, the fact is that we have a broken system that does not meet the needs of people with mental illness, and it places an undue burden on law enforcement. His words about people having a right to be well really resonates with me because we have seen in all of our communities situations that escalate because they don't have the proper response--we don't have the proper training; we don't have the proper resources--where people get worse. It is not just that it costs more money; it is the pain to the individuals, to their families, and, ultimately, since virtually all of these people are released but are released in a more damaged situation, they are worse. They are a greater risk to themselves and society, and the cycle continues. There is no doubt in my mind that, if we were able to properly account for the costs and consequences of the current nonsystem that there would be far more resources saved in treating them humanely and effectively, giving the police and the community the resources they need that will more than pay for itself. This is an important step for the Federal Government to be a better partner. I appreciate the gentlewoman's leadership. I appreciate my friend Mr. Murphy from Pennsylvania, and I am looking forward to working with him on other items.…”