April 9, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 61 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H3139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS

  (Ms. JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my experience as the first 
registered nurse elected to Congress allows me to examine our Nation's 
healthcare priorities with firsthand knowledge.
  Currently, our mental health system is failing our communities. Our 
Federal Government spends billions each year without addressing the 
underlying causes of mental health illnesses.
  Needless to say, reform is necessary. In Congress, we have defended 
protections for preexisting conditions in the Affordable Care Act, a 
law that has brought a sense of security for the 11.5 million Texans 
and 133 million Americans living with preexisting conditions.
  As we continue our work, we cannot lose sight of those living with 
mental health illnesses as preexisting conditions.
  There is much to be achieved, and I am eager to continue working for 
the people to improve mental healthcare for every American.

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