[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2066-H2067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FULLY FUND CRISIS SERVICES FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH
(Ms. ELFRETH asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, the Trevor Project estimates that at least
one LGBTQ+ youth attempts suicide every 45 seconds. That is less time
than my remarks will take today.
[[Page H2067]]
Instead of addressing this very real public health crisis that our
Nation's youth face, the Trump administration has issued a budget
proposal that seeks to eliminate funding for specialized crisis
services for LGBTQ+ youth.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has saved countless lives. Mr.
Speaker, when you call that lifeline, you have the option to seek care
via a specialist. Those specialists serve veterans, callers who speak
Spanish, and LGBTQ+ youth.
Mr. Speaker, 1.2 million Americans have selected that last option,
but it might not be an option for much longer.
The service has saved lives and allowed Americans to receive the care
they need on the hardest days of their lives. To me, that is what
public service is all about. It is about being there for folks on their
hardest days.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and this administration to support
full funding for these lifesaving services.
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