Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) voted as a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Wednesday to support H.R. 2646, Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.  The bill, introduced by Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18), focuses on repairing the broken mental health system in America.

“This bill is one that has support on both sides of the aisle,” says Mullin.  “We all realize we need to do more to help the people in our country that suffer from mental health issues.”

Under the current mental health system, there are numerous problems.  Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from some form of serious mental illness.  Many have difficulty receiving care due to the lack of communication between programs.

Federal funding for mental health is currently $130 billion and it is dispersed to 112 federal programs.  Many times these programs do not communicate to ensure the funds and assistance go to the right place.  H.R. 2646 will establish an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use with mental health credentials.  They will develop and carry out a strategic plan that is to be updated every five years.

“Communication between all these programs is key,” Mullin says.  “It will allow the government to maximize our ability to help those who really need it in Oklahoma and around the country, as well as cut down on unnecessary spending.”

H.R. 2646 passed through committee by a vote of 53-0.

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