OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Defunding Suicide Hotline for Lgbtq Youth

Floor Speech

Date: May 6, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, in 2005, the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched to provide 24/7 access to counseling and referrals for Americans in crisis.

In recognition of these challenges, the challenges these Americans face, the 988 lifeline provides specialty services targeted at LGBTQ youth, who are at a higher risk of suicide than the population at large.

According to a 2024 survey by the Trevor Project, 12 percent of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year--12 percent of American youth in this category.

Now, the Trump administration is reportedly considering eliminating these specialized support services, which would cut off the lifesaving resources they provide.

Young people, young Americans, when they are in crisis, should be able to speak to a professional counselor who understands their experiences and is trained to communicate with people facing similar struggles.

This is a cruel idea. For the health and safety of all young Americans, the President must immediately reverse course on this ill- advised, cruel, and dangerous plan.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward