OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Fully Fund Crisis Services for Lgbtq+ Youth

Floor Speech

Date: May 15, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, the Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ+ youth attempts suicide every 45 seconds. That is less time than my remarks will take today.

Instead of addressing this very real public health crisis that our Nation's youth face, the Trump administration has issued a budget proposal that seeks to eliminate funding for specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has saved countless lives. Mr. Speaker, when you call that lifeline, you have the option to seek care via a specialist. Those specialists serve veterans, callers who speak Spanish, and LGBTQ+ youth.

Mr. Speaker, 1.2 million Americans have selected that last option, but it might not be an option for much longer.

The service has saved lives and allowed Americans to receive the care they need on the hardest days of their lives. To me, that is what public service is all about. It is about being there for folks on their hardest days.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and this administration to support full funding for these lifesaving services.

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