Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008

PAUL WELLSTONE AND PETE DOMENICI MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 27, 2008)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6983, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. It is long past time that the 54 million Americans suffering from mental illness have access to the care they need, and we cannot afford another day to go by.

* This legislation is named in tribute to the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone whose work on this issue was groundbreaking. I also rise to thank my colleague from Minnesota, Congressman Jim Ramstad, for his courage in sharing his experience with substance abuse and his hard work on this legislation. Without his dedication and perseverance, we would not be at this critical moment.

* We have all been affected in some way--ourselves, a family member, a friend, or colleague--by mental health or substance abuse. This is an issue I hear about in my district a lot and I thank my constituents who have been willing to share their stories to make change.

* The current system is unfair and inadequate. People should not have to forego essential treatment because of cost when care could mean improvements to their quality of life and productivity. Parents should not end up with an emergency room bill they cannot pay because they rushed their child to the hospital after a suicide attempt. Our service men and women returning from Iraq should not be handed a 1-800 number to treat a mental illness.

* Passing this bill is both morally and economically right because delay not only affects individuals and families, but it also affects schools, businesses, and our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important bill. Today we can finally make mental health parity a reality.

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