Capps Applauds Committee Passage of Mental Health Legislation

Statement

Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) joined her colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in support of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 2646), which passed unanimously, by a vote of 53 to 0.

Following a lengthy revision process, Committee members were able to come together to pass H.R. 2646 in a bipartisan effort to address gaps in the American mental health care system. The bill contains several provisions to strengthen current mental health care services and practices. A summary of the legislation can be found here.

"The Committee's passage of H.R. 2646 is an important step forward in addressing the pressing problem of inadequate mental health care services in our country. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health issue, so it is no surprise that this is a topic that touches many of us personally. In turn, we know that many of the affected individuals receive insufficient screening and care for mental illness, partially due to the undeserved stigma that still surrounds this affliction and gaps in accessible, affordable care.

The legislation takes important steps forward to strengthen the mental health system. It includes a strong emphasis on improving the evidence base for care, as well as strengthening mental health care workforce provisions that are critical to expanding access to treatment. It also funds evidence based interventions to treat and support individuals with serious mental illness, specific programs to improve pediatric care, and an emphasis on suicide prevention. And while this legislation does not accomplish everything that is needed to fully reform our mental health care system, it is an important step forward and I am pleased to support it."

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