Byrne: Mental Health Bill A Major Accomplishment

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) voted today in favor of bipartisan legislation to improve our nation’s mental health programs.

H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, marks the first reforms of our mental health programs in decades. Congressman Byrne is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

Byrne, whose grandfather was killed by a mentally ill person, has been a strong advocate for reforming our nation’s mental health system.

Byrne said: “Instead of pushing new gun laws, I have always said the focus should be on the root causes of mass violence, like our broken mental health system. This bill does just that in a truly bipartisan way that unites Republicans and Democrats instead of driving us further apart.

“This bill helps ensure that our mental health programs actually work and that the money is getting to the patients who need it most instead of getting stuck in bureaucracy. Most importantly, this bill makes clear that mental illness is not a crime but rather a true health issue that should be treated.

“This bill has the potential to make a real difference and passing it out of the House with such strong support is a major accomplishment.”

The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act passed by a vote of 422 to 2. Click here to learn more about the legislation.