Expressing support for the designation of "National Stop SuiSilence Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 551
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-19T08:06:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 551) aims to express congressional support for designating September 25 as "National Stop SuiSilence Day." The goal is to promote open discussion about suicide, reduce stigma, educate on warning signs, and encourage prevention efforts as a public health priority, particularly during Suicide Prevention Month.
Key Provisions
- Background and Rationale ("Whereas" Clauses):
- Recognizes prior congressional resolutions (from the 105th Congress) that identified suicide as a national issue and prevention as a priority.
- Cites statistics from government sources, including:
- Suicide as a leading cause of death in the U.S. (over 45,000 annually, per CDC) and among veterans (17-44 per day, per VA and other reports).
- Each suicide affects an estimated 135 people, such as family and friends.
- One suicide occurs every 11 minutes (per HHS, 2024).
- Highlights warning signs from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including expressions of wanting to die, feelings of hopelessness or burden, behavioral changes (e.g., withdrawing from friends, risky actions, or planning death), and emotional states like rage or emptiness.
- Emphasizes that suicide is preventable through awareness, talking about it, strong social connections, and community engagement.
- Resolution Actions:
- Supports the designation of "National Stop SuiSilence Day."
- Recognizes the day as vital for engaging, educating, and activating individuals, communities, and government on suicide topics.
- Views the day as a key step toward preventing suicides by ending silence and stigma.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to existing laws. It builds on prior recognitions of suicide prevention but introduces no enforceable changes, mandates, or new policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages public awareness and dialogue about suicide risks and prevention, potentially reducing stigma and saving lives by promoting help-seeking behaviors. It could empower individuals and communities to recognize warning signs and support those in crisis, especially affecting the estimated 135 people impacted by each suicide.
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly support agencies like the VA, CDC, NIH, and HHS by aligning with their data and initiatives, potentially increasing focus on veteran and public mental health programs without requiring new funding or actions.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
- Overall, it fosters cultural shifts toward open mental health conversations, possibly leading to grassroots prevention efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Military Community: Highlighted due to high suicide rates (e.g., 17-44 daily deaths), with emphasis on VA data.
- General Public and Families: Those at risk or affected by suicide, including the broader population experiencing leading causes of death and ripple effects on loved ones.
- Mental Health Advocates and Communities: Groups like America's Warrior Partnership, which could use the designation for education and activation campaigns.
- Government Entities: The House of Representatives (via endorsement), and agencies providing suicide statistics and resources (VA, CDC, NIH, HHS).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as resolutions like this are symbolic and do not create enforceable law or obligations.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it involves free speech and public health awareness, which align with First Amendment protections for discussion without restricting rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Luttrell and Correa) for mental health issues, potentially influencing future legislation on veteran care or suicide prevention. It reinforces suicide as a national priority, which could build momentum for related policies without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8]
Cosponsors (19)
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-06-26: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of "National Stop SuiSilence Day". — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (4 pages)