[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1863-H1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEFUNDING SUICIDE HOTLINE FOR LGBTQ YOUTH

  (Mr. DeSAULNIER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, in 2005, the 988 National Suicide 
Prevention Lifeline was launched to provide 24/7 access to counseling 
and referrals for Americans in crisis.
  In recognition of these challenges, the challenges these Americans 
face, the 988 lifeline provides specialty services targeted at LGBTQ 
youth, who are at a higher risk of suicide than the population at 
large.
  According to a 2024 survey by the Trevor Project, 12 percent of LGBTQ 
youth attempted suicide in the past year--12 percent of American youth 
in this category.
  Now, the Trump administration is reportedly considering eliminating 
these specialized support services, which would cut off the lifesaving 
resources they provide.

[[Page H1864]]

  Young people, young Americans, when they are in crisis, should be 
able to speak to a professional counselor who understands their 
experiences and is trained to communicate with people facing similar 
struggles.
  This is a cruel idea. For the health and safety of all young 
Americans, the President must immediately reverse course on this ill-
advised, cruel, and dangerous plan.

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