Introduction of the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Police Week, along with our Oklahoma colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. I am honored to introduce the bipartisan Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2023.

Congress must support and stand with the brave men and women in law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe.

Our bipartisan bill provides greater Federal support grants to law enforcement departments at the state, local, territorial, and tribal level to obtain vital behavioral health crisis response training. More safely and effectively resolving behavioral health crisis situations can save lives.

We all know that post pandemic, too many in our country have experienced mental health crises. Our law enforcement and corrections officers are often on the front lines, responding to crisis calls related to these situations. The opioid epidemic complicates this situation in far too many stances.

As America's prisons and jails are filled with individuals with mental health challenges, Congress must do more to address mental health across the board. Our law enforcement officers need to be equipped with the proper tools, regimen, and training to adequately address mental health crises.

I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation to do just that.

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