[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 22, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5737-H5738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TAKING BIPARTISAN ACTION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of two pieces of 
bipartisan legislation the House will consider later today. I 
introduced these bills alongside Republican colleagues because there is 
simply no question that they will save lives and protect our children.
  The first piece of legislation is critical in the fight against the 
opioid crisis plaguing every single community across our country. Known 
as the MATE Act, this legislation is simple. It will require that 
doctors who prescribe highly addictive pain medications are trained to 
spot signs of addiction and intervene accordingly.
  Healthcare professionals often interact with and have opportunities 
to provide effective treatments for individuals suffering from 
addiction, critical opportunities to save lives. But far too often, 
those chances to help are missed. In fact, research has shown that most 
clinicians could not confidently diagnose and treat patients with 
substance use disorder.
  Stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding about addiction 
have prevented far too many Americans from accessing evidence-based 
care for addiction. The MATE Act will change that.
  I drafted this legislation after meeting with a physician in my home 
State of Massachusetts, Dr. Jim Baker, who shared the tragic story of 
his son, Max.
  Dr. Baker was visiting his primary care physician one day when his 
PCP asked him if there was anything he could do to help. Dr. Baker 
pleaded with his PCP for help with Max's opioid addiction.
  To Dr. Baker's surprise, his PCP did not have adequate education or 
understanding of addiction to point Dr. Baker in the direction of 
appropriate treatment for Max. Max Baker died from an overdose at just 
23 years old.
  Every person in this Chamber knows that the Bakers' story, a parent's 
worst nightmare, is not unique. Each of us has heard similar stories 
from families who were willing to do anything and everything to save 
the life of a loved one battling addiction. We can get these families 
another path for help by passing the MATE Act.
  I am grateful to Dr. Baker for his advocacy for this legislation, as 
well as my colleagues, Representatives Trone, Carter, Kuster, and 
McKinley, who were instrumental in securing today's vote.
  Madam Speaker, the second piece of legislation is just as essential. 
My bipartisan bill, with Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers, Congresswoman 
Axne, and Congresswoman Kim, doesn't need a fancy name. It just needs 
to become law. That is because it will extend and strengthen key youth 
and young adult suicide prevention efforts.
  Many of us have talked about the youth mental health crisis 
extensively, and the past 2 years have only increased the urgent need 
for solutions that protect our children.
  That starts by reauthorizing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and 
the key programs it supports to provide mental health resources, 
bolster suicide prevention efforts, and end the stigma associated with 
getting help.
  Make no mistake, these programs have a long track record of success. 
Study after study has proven that these initiatives have significantly 
reduced youth suicide rates for young people and saved tens of 
thousands of lives.
  We must ensure that these programs continue, and I urge my colleagues 
to support this legislative package so we can do just that.


               ibew 1505 celebrates 50 years at raytheon

  Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hardworking men 
and women of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 
1505 for their 75 years working at Raytheon in Massachusetts.
  The members of IBEW 1505 are some of the most skilled in the 
manufacturing industry in the entire world. They are unsung American 
heroes, rarely receiving publicity or recognition for their devoted 
service and ingenuity but continuing to provide well-made defense 
systems to American Armed Forces.
  The Patriot missile is built by the members of IBEW 1505, along with

[[Page H5738]]

other advanced defense systems. These systems are active around the 
world, including right now in Poland, where they are helping to protect 
our NATO allies.
  IBEW 1505 has provided many generations of families in Massachusetts 
with family-sustaining wages and benefits.
  I am proud to call so many members of IBEW 1505 my constituents and 
to bring recognition of their 75 years of service to our country here 
on the House floor of the United States Congress.

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