Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 998, the Senate companion to this bipartisan legislation, that I introduced with Congresswoman Dean, that will address the mental health needs of our Nation's police officers.

Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

Last year, when the Tree of Life synagogue was under attack, the Pittsburgh police and police from around the region ran into open gunfire to stop a deranged, hateful madman intent on killing as many worshippers as possible. Were it not for the heroic efforts of the police that day, the tragic loss of life could have been much worse.

Across the country, we sleep safely in our beds each night because of our law enforcement officers. But the critical work that these men and women undertake does not come without a cost.

According to the National Study of Police Suicides, law enforcement officers are two-and-a-half times more likely to die from suicides than from homicides. Studies show that police officers have above average stress levels that lead to post-traumatic stress, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Despite all we do for our communities, the Federal Government provides few resources to address the consequences of their taxing work.

The STOIC Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that will reform and expand an existing grant program to better address the mental health and support needs of our law enforcement, most importantly as it relates to suicide prevention.

I am very grateful to Senator Hawley and Senator Whitehouse for their work to get this bill through the Senate.

I also, again, thank Ranking Member Collins and Chairman Nadler for prioritizing this important piece of legislation.

And, most importantly, I thank my friend and fellow Pennsylvanian, Congresswoman Dean, for her tireless work to improve mental health treatment for police across the country. Throughout this entire process, Congresswoman Dean has shown tremendous appreciation for law enforcement officers and great concern for the well-being of them and their families. It has truly been a pleasure to work on this bill with Congresswoman Dean.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the STOIC Act today. It is time for us to take care of those who take care of us.

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