[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 111 (Friday, June 27, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SUPPORTING THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

  (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 in support of the LGBTQ community to 
celebrate Pride Month, and to call out President Trump's reckless 
decision to shut down the 988 specialized LGBTQ youth hotline. This is 
a devastating decision that will affect people in every corner of our 
country.
  I will put this into perspective: In 2024, 12 percent of LGBTQ youth 
attempted suicide, while nearly 40 percent seriously considered it. In 
comparison, the national average for students contemplating suicide is 
20 percent, which is still far too large.
  Additionally, many of these young people are left without critical 
support from caring adults, leaving them nowhere to turn when a crisis 
happens. We cannot deny the fact that this hotline is a vital service.
  Mental health is not a partisan issue, and our children should not be 
used as pawns in the President's purely political game. As the co-chair 
of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, I am committed to expanding 
access to specialty mental health care by training qualified 
professionals to provide culturally relevant care and ensuring that 
high-quality, affordable services are available to all who need them.
  Mr. Speaker, I will not remain silent in the face of President 
Trump's targeted attacks, and I will continue to fight for the LGBTQ 
communities.

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