Providing for Consideration of H.R. for the People Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question today, we will call up a resolution that I introduced, H. Res. 178, which would instruct the House Clerk to modify the text of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, to direct $140 million from Speaker Pelosi's pork subway project and to instead put those funds toward critical mental health services for the Nation's children who have continued to suffer in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

My resolution would ensure that mental health and suicide prevention services are provided in States where children do not have the option of in-person instruction in school, as isolation has been a major driver of mental health impacts on our Nation's kids.

Mr. Speaker, children across this Nation have been disproportionately affected by the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that social isolation has had a significant impact on America's children. Social isolation during quarantine has caused many to develop feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loneliness.

Unfortunately, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that there has been an increase in suicides among children following the imposition of stay-at-home orders last year.

Another study by the Virginia Pediatrics Association found a 90 percent rise in cases among children involving depression, anxiety, and academic struggles.

Mr. Speaker, there is hope. The CDC recently released new guidelines that recommend students return to in-person instruction where it can be done safely. Dr. Anthony Fauci himself has backed these new guidelines and has spoken in support of getting our Nation's kids back in school.

The feelings of social isolation felt by so many children today can be quickly alleviated by reopening our schools. In areas of the country where reopenings are not happening, my resolution would provide $140 million to bolster mental healthcare for these affected children. I think we can all agree that the mental health impacts on our children should be swiftly addressed on a bipartisan basis.

Mr. Speaker, let me state again that America's children deserve the very best. Let's defeat the previous question today so that we can provide needed relief and critical mental health services to children who are suffering across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to defeat the previous question.

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