[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E326-E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on 
behalf of a teenager from Ben salem, Pennsylvania for whom mental 
health care came too late. I rise in favor of a health care system that 
works for those in need.
  This legislation not only promotes fairness for those with mental 
illness, it also will not pre-empt stronger State laws. Laws, such as 
Pennsylvania's Act 106, which has saved countless lives.
  I stand with a Republican State representative from my district--Gene 
DiGirolamo--as we fight to preserve these critical laws in conference. 
Mr. DiGiralomo of Bensalem is a leading advocate for mental health 
parity and has worked tirelessly for health care laws that are fair and 
just.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is bipartisan and long overdue. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in voting for it.
  The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act is designed 
to end discrimination against those seeking treatment for mental 
illness.
  This discrimination is real, and it affects the lives of millions of 
people every day.
  We have all heard the stories of the negative stigma surrounding post 
traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury from veterans 
returning from battle, and each of us has a family member or friend who 
has struggled at one time or another with mental illness.
  Reauthorizing this important measure has waited for more than a 
decade--that is too long.
  I am proud to be supporting it today and proud to have fought to 
include provisions that will keep this bill from pre-empting stronger 
State laws.
  Act 106 is an example of a life-saving, crime-reducing law in 
Pennsylvania that will be preserved because of this important bill.
  Act 106 not only helps addicts regain control of their lives, but 
also makes our State a safer and more pleasant place to live.
  This protection is just one of many important items included in this 
bill, and Act 106 is just one of many State laws that we should 
preserve.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is critically important and while I am proud 
to support it, I must register some reservations about how we go about 
paying for it.
  As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, upholding the PAYGO 
rules are important, but the offsets chosen for this legislation are 
ones that have been used for another piece of legislation.

[[Page E327]]

  We are a Nation at war and a Nation in debt. Each person in this 
country owes more than $30,000 in debt because of the reckless spending 
habits of the past.
  We need to make sure we pay for the bills we pass, but I have some 
serious concerns about passing two bills--two Democratic priorities--
that are paid for with the same money.
  I urge our leadership, that as we go to conference on both of these 
pieces of legislation we ensure that we have a fiscally responsible 
approach that is also equitable for all those involved.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is a great step forward, and it has the 
support of doctors, nurses, and families across the country.
  I am proud to cast my vote in favor of the Paul Wellstone Mental 
Health and Addiction Equity Act.

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