[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3010) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes:

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to 
Mr. Paul's amendment that would bar Federal funds from being used for 
mental health screening programs. This amendment misunderstands the 
recommendations offered by President Bush's New Freedom Commission on 
Mental Health, minimizes the importance of mental health to the well-
being of Americans, and threatens vital efforts to promote access to 
mental health services.
  Mental health is one of the greatest problems facing our Nation. 
During any one-year period, up to 50 million Americans--more than 22 
percent--suffer from a clearly diagnosable mental disorder involving a 
degree of incapacity that interferes with employment, attendance at 
school or daily life. Among other things, mental health affects whether 
one gets involved in substance abuse, commits violence, follows through 
on medical advice, cares for a child, performs his work, and engages in 
healthy behaviors. In short, one's mental health affects almost every 
aspect of life.
  I believe strongly in the need to support children's physical and 
mental health, while respecting parental rights. Recognizing that early 
childhood is a critical period for the onset of emotional and 
behavioral problems, the President's Commission encouraged 
organizations that work with children to improve early identification 
of children with mental health needs. Research shows that early 
detection, assessment, and connection to treatment and support helps 
prevent mental health problems from worsening. Because more than 52 
million students attend schools in the U.S., the Commission recognized 
that schools are in a key position to identify mental health problems 
early and help link children to appropriate services. The Commission in 
no way recommends mandatory legislation or any effort to circumvent 
parental consent to screening. Quite the opposite, in fact. It 
repeatedly recommends that child-serving organizations work with 
parents to support identification and treatment efforts.
  Like so many disorders, mental illness does not discriminate and 
effects every age, ethnic, and socioeconomic group. Given its 
widespread effect on individuals and society, we need to put more 
emphasis on mental health, not less. I urge my colleagues to vote 
against the Paul amendment.

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