House Passes Reschenthaler Amendment to Address America’s Mental Health Crisis
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed provisions of Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s (PA-14) bipartisan Cost of Mental Illness Act as an amendment to H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022. The amendment requires a study on the true cost of serious mental illness on America’s health care, housing, and penal systems to help policymakers, medical professionals, and community organizations develop commonsense solutions to support Americans living with serious mental illnesses.
“In my time as a district judge in southwestern Pennsylvania, I encountered countless individuals suffering from undiagnosed or untreated mental health illnesses,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “I am proud that the House adopted a bipartisan amendment I offered that will ensure policymakers and communities have the information they need to target resources to Americans suffering from mental health disorders. I hope the Senate will act swiftly to approve this mental health package – the first since the start of the pandemic – and send it to the president’s desk.”
Rep. Reschenthaler’s amendment was adopted by a vote of 387 to 32 and included in H.R. 7666, a package of bipartisan bills that seek to address mental health problems, substance abuse disorders, and suicide prevention, especially amongst children and young adults.
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