[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H622-H623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GAMBLING ADDICTION

  (Ms. SALINAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a growing public 
health problem in this country. It is estimated that nearly 7 million 
Americans are suffering from a gambling addiction, and while it may not 
be as visible, it can be just as harmful as any other addiction.
  About 90 percent of gambling addicts reported having one or more 
mental health disorders, as well as increased dependence on alcohol and 
other substances.
  Problem gambling can also cause deep financial and emotional harm to 
families when the gambler takes on debt to pay for their addiction or 
manipulates loved ones to get what they want.
  Clearly, this is a serious problem that must be addressed. It is why 
I have introduced the Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and 
Treatment, or GRIT Act last week. This legislation would utilize 
current revenues to devote funding toward gambling addiction, research, 
and treatment.
  My bill would give State health agencies and nonprofits the resources 
they need to study this kind of addiction and get more people into 
recovery.
  This is a commonsense solution that would improve mental health and 
well-being for countless families across America. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting the GRIT Act.

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