[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TREATMENT BEFORE TRAGEDY

  (Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, 
I have met with thousands of families of those suffering with severe 
mental illness. These conversations led to my introduction of the 
Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.
  Last Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed this legislation 
with a near unanimous vote of 422-2. This historic vote closed a tragic 
chapter in our Nation's treatment of serious mental illness and 
welcomed a new dawn of help and hope. We have overwhelmingly chosen to 
deliver treatment before tragedy.
  I now hope our colleagues in the Senate take up the next chapter and 
pass H.R. 2646. The current chaotic patchwork of antiquated Federal 
programs and laws make it impossible for those with serious mental 
illness to get meaningful care. My bill eliminates wasteful and 
effective programs and directs money where it is needed most. It is 
endorsed by over 50 professional organizations and over 60 newspapers.
  We cannot let these families down. Lives are depending on it. We must 
continue to work this bill all the way to the President's desk for 
signature.

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