OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

Date: May 13, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment that ensures that States and other eligible entities under the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022 can utilize funds for behavioral health purposes.

These past 2 years have had a devastating effect on the physical and mental health of people across the Nation, especially those who live in poverty or in under-resourced areas.

In my district, we have seen hospitals shuttered, families suffer, and young people facing unprecedented mental health challenges.

By adding explicit language on behavioral health to this bill, we underscore the heightened need for increased resources to reach those that are underserved and most at risk.

Thankfully, recipients like my home State of Pennsylvania are already receiving funding through this grant program to alleviate the causes of poverty and provide opportunities for employment.

But the community services block grant program must emphasize that in order for States to truly attack the root causes of poverty, they must address the rising rate of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Just yesterday, the CDC announced that there were more than 100,000 drug overdoses in 2021, a record high, and a 15 percent increase from 2020. This data shows that something must change.

We all know that for people to participate meaningfully in the workforce and to achieve self-sufficiency, they need the tools, first and foremost, to address their physical, mental, and behavioral health.

As a prior businessowner, I understand the importance of this firsthand, because America thrives when our workers thrive.

Community services block grants have been successful in supporting those who are most underserved across our communities for decades.

Let's, please, build on this mission and ensure that the program meets the needs of our diverse 21st century communities and workers.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

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