Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, here is a heartbreaking fact about the reality of war: Every single day in our country, about 17 veterans die by suicide. That is 17 families whose lives will never be the same.

I am thinking of one of our mothers in the 12th Congressional District, Lisa Hicks-Clayton, who mourns her son, Damon, every day.

We must work harder than ever to ensure that no veteran is left behind and those serving in our military receive the mental health support that they need to survive.

We know that our servicemembers face mental health crises that are heightened by their experiences at war. The forever wars, Mr. Speaker, of the past decades have left behind immense trauma. Far too often, our own government and this Congress fail to provide our servicemembers and veterans with the support they need and deserve.

If we cannot provide the necessary care and support for our servicemembers and veterans, then we should not be sending them off to war.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for those experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

We must break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create an environment where our veterans and servicemembers feel supported asking for help.

My amendment ensures that information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is posted in commonsense locations to maximize awareness about this lifesaving resource among our servicemembers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please support this amendment. Suicide prevention should not be a partisan issue.

If you are a veteran or a servicemember in crisis, please reach out for the support you need. You are not alone. Celebrating Heroes' Alliance

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievement and historic accomplishment of these wonderful young people who are part of the Heroes' Alliance Vehicle Technology Team. This group of high school students from our district just won the 2022 National Solar Car Challenge within their division.

Heroes' Alliance was founded in 2009 by the late Pastor Reggie Lane who established the organization to engage and create opportunities for underserved youth in Detroit. This vision now is being led by the dynamic Anika Smith. Right now, these young people are going to Texas to drive the vehicle from Texas to California and compete in the 2023 national competition.

The Heroes' Alliance is a STEM program that challenges students to develop innovative technology focusing on renewable energy and automotive engineering.

Today, the project serves as a capstone for students who participate in the Heroes' Alliance Cooperative Learning Center, which utilizes vehicle technology for the basis of bringing together education, innovation, and industry as students work together to design and engineer a solar vehicle.

I am so proud of this hardworking, talented, group of young people from various schools all across the city of Detroit and want to congratulate them on their achievements.

Please join me in recognizing them as we also cheer them on to victory. Recognizing Mother Patricia ``Pat'' Braxton

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Mother Patricia ``Pat'' Braxton, as we call her, ``Mother Pat,'' a legacy of our community, as she celebrates 75 years of life.

In all the years I have known Mother Pat, she has been an active public servant and advocate. Her passion for our local and global community shines through in everything she does.

She is known not only as the matriarch of her family, but also as a mentor for many women of color serving in public service. She is one of our legacy legends of the O'Hair Park community, and we absolutely adore her.

Mother Pat never shies away from a challenge, Mr. Speaker. Her compassion and kindness toward others have had a lasting impact on those around her, including myself. We are grateful for her tireless energy and outstanding example.

Please join me in recognizing Mother Pat Braxton for her advocacy, hard work, and dedication as we celebrate her 75 years of life.

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