[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 120 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3484-H3485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, here is a heartbreaking fact about the 
reality of war: Every single day in our country, about 17 veterans die 
by suicide. That is 17 families whose lives will never be the same.
  I am thinking of one of our mothers in the 12th Congressional 
District, Lisa Hicks-Clayton, who mourns her son, Damon, every day.
  We must work harder than ever to ensure that no veteran is left 
behind and those serving in our military receive the mental health 
support that they need to survive.
  We know that our servicemembers face mental health crises that are 
heightened by their experiences at war. The forever wars, Mr. Speaker, 
of the past decades have left behind immense trauma. Far too often, our 
own government and this Congress fail to provide our servicemembers and 
veterans with the support they need and deserve.
  If we cannot provide the necessary care and support for our 
servicemembers and veterans, then we should not be sending them off to 
war.

                              {time}  1030

  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free confidential 
support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for those experiencing a mental 
health crisis or contemplating suicide. Veterans can use this new 
option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis 
Line.
  We must break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create 
an environment where our veterans and servicemembers feel supported 
asking for help.
  My amendment ensures that information about the 988 Suicide and 
Crisis Lifeline is posted in commonsense locations to maximize 
awareness about this lifesaving resource among our servicemembers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please support this amendment. 
Suicide prevention should not be a partisan issue.
  If you are a veteran or a servicemember in crisis, please reach out 
for the support you need. You are not alone.


                      Celebrating Heroes' Alliance

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievement and 
historic accomplishment of these wonderful young people who are part of 
the Heroes' Alliance Vehicle Technology Team. This group of high school 
students from our district just won the 2022 National Solar Car 
Challenge within their division.
  Heroes' Alliance was founded in 2009 by the late Pastor Reggie Lane 
who established the organization to engage and create opportunities for 
underserved youth in Detroit. This vision now is being led by the 
dynamic Anika Smith. Right now, these young people are going to Texas 
to drive the vehicle from Texas to California and compete in the 2023 
national competition.
  The Heroes' Alliance is a STEM program that challenges students to 
develop innovative technology focusing on renewable energy and 
automotive engineering.
  Today, the project serves as a capstone for students who participate 
in the Heroes' Alliance Cooperative Learning Center, which utilizes 
vehicle technology for the basis of bringing together education, 
innovation, and industry as students work together to design and 
engineer a solar vehicle.
  I am so proud of this hardworking, talented, group of young people 
from various schools all across the city of Detroit and want to 
congratulate them on their achievements.
  Please join me in recognizing them as we also cheer them on to 
victory.


              Recognizing Mother Patricia ``Pat'' Braxton

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Mother Patricia ``Pat'' 
Braxton, as we call her, ``Mother Pat,'' a legacy of our community, as 
she celebrates 75 years of life.
  In all the years I have known Mother Pat, she has been an active 
public servant and advocate. Her passion for our

[[Page H3485]]

local and global community shines through in everything she does.
  She is known not only as the matriarch of her family, but also as a 
mentor for many women of color serving in public service. She is one of 
our legacy legends of the O'Hair Park community, and we absolutely 
adore her.
  Mother Pat never shies away from a challenge, Mr. Speaker. Her 
compassion and kindness toward others have had a lasting impact on 
those around her, including myself. We are grateful for her tireless 
energy and outstanding example.
  Please join me in recognizing Mother Pat Braxton for her advocacy, 
hard work, and dedication as we celebrate her 75 years of life.

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