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Bilirakis Votes to Advance Landmark Mental Health Reform Bill

June 15, 2016

The Energy and Commerce Committee today advanced legislation to address mental health issues and help individuals and families across the nation.

The Committee approved H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act to achieve meaningful, long-pursued reforms to the nation's failing mental health care system.

"I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation," said Congressman Bilirakis. "We have worked with stakeholders and experts across the country on this issue, and I am proud we advanced this important bill today. I've held several roundtables in my district, where my constituents and I discussed the struggles that individuals with mental illness in our community are facing on a daily basis and how Congress can best address the needs and challenges of those we serve. The shortage of treatment options and mental health professionals has resulted in too many mentally ill people becoming homeless or incarcerated. We need reform, and we need it now."

Watch the Congressman's opening statement here:

Learn more about this markup, watch the committee vote, and read text of the legislation here.