Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendments to H.R. 2500 which are included in this En Bloc package. My first amendment is fairly simple and direct. It would remind those in charge of the DoD's National Capital Consortium Psychiatry Residency Program--or PRP--of their responsibility to maintain an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. This critical program helps train professionals who are on the frontlines of addressing critical mental health needs. The Chairman and Ranking Member are both aware of the tremendous need for such providers, both in and outside, of the military. It's those concerns that are behind the inclusion of Section 717 in this bill which calls for the Defense Department to provide a strategy to recruit and retain mental health providers. It is important that this workforce be culturally competent and diverse which is why ensuring that this program's leadership actively work to ensure that residents are trained in an atmosphere where discrimination or harassment of any sort is not tolerated. Period. What I do know is that tolerating a work environment that is toxic or being turned toxic because of racial or sexually derogatory statements or actions makes it harder to recruit and retain these in-demand providers and also hurt efforts to ensure a diverse mental health workforce.…”