OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016

Floor Speech

Date: July 6, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2646 and commend Dr. Murphy for introducing it.

Across the country, over 10 million Americans suffer from severe mental illness. Unfortunately, many are not receiving their proper treatment, including access to inpatient facilities or trained mental health professionals.

In my prior life, I spent about 10 years as a State and Federal prosecutor. In that role, I saw the negative effects of a broken mental health system. It is a system in much need of reform in Illinois and all across this country. I have litigated many cases in which mental health played a significant role in the case, and I can assure you that when it comes to mental illness, incarceration in prison is not the solution.

This bill is a step in the right direction. It is comprehensive, and it will help change the direction of our mental health system. I strongly support it and urge my colleagues to support it.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward