On the recordJuly 12, 2016
Over the past several years, I have met with thousands of families of those suffering with severe mental illness. These conversations led to my introduction of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Last Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed this legislation with a near unanimous vote of 422-2. This historic vote closed a tragic chapter in our Nation's treatment of serious mental illness and welcomed a new dawn of help and hope. We have overwhelmingly chosen to deliver treatment before tragedy. I now hope our colleagues in the Senate take up the next chapter and pass H.R. 2646. The current chaotic patchwork of antiquated Federal programs and laws make it impossible for those with serious mental illness to get meaningful care. My bill eliminates wasteful and effective programs and directs money where it is needed most. It is endorsed by over 50 professional organizations and over 60 newspapers. We cannot let these families down. Lives are depending on it. We must continue to work this bill all the way to the President's desk for signature. ____________________





