OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Our Mental Health System is Broken

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 7, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans Health and Health Care

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness for the more than 11 million Americans who suffer from severe mental health illness.

As we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, we have the opportunity to discuss this complex issue and the impact it has on both families and society. We must continue to identify ways we can help those who are suffering.

Our mental health system is broken. Many are going without treatment, and families often struggle to find appropriate care for their loved ones. As vice chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know this is an issue especially important to our veterans, our true heroes.

My COVER Act, which was approved by the House earlier this year, helps provide alternative therapies for our veterans dealing with mental health issues.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce's Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, actually sponsored by Representative Murphy from Pennsylvania, further works to address the shortage of treatment options, lack of access to mental health services, and the lack of communication within the system.

We must continue our efforts to improve mental health care and remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

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