HRES-1528-119
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sponsored by Shri Thanedar (D-MI)
What it does
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' recognition of suicide as a preventable public health problem and its support for designating September 2026 as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10, 2026 as "World Suicide Prevention Day." It does not create, fund, or modify any federal program; it is a nonbinding statement of support and priorities.
Who benefits
Mental health advocacy organizations and suicide prevention groups who gain congressional recognition for awareness efforts; individuals and families affected by suicide, including veterans and postpartum individuals cited in the resolution, who may benefit from increased public attention to the issue. No group receives funding, legal rights, or regulatory changes.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully negatively affected. The resolution carries no funding, mandates, or regulatory requirements, so it imposes no costs or burdens on any individual, business, or government entity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that suicide is a major public health crisis, citing CDC data showing nearly 49,000 deaths in 2024 and an estimated $500 billion in annual costs, and that formal recognition helps reduce stigma and encourages at-risk individuals to seek help. They contend that congressional attention, even symbolic, can amplify awareness campaigns and support for veterans, adolescents, and postpartum individuals identified as high-risk groups.
Opponents argue
Critics of commemorative resolutions generally argue that such measures consume floor time and committee resources without providing funding, services, or policy changes that would materially reduce suicide rates. They contend that symbolic gestures, while well-intentioned, can substitute for more substantive legislative action such as increased funding for mental health services or veteran suicide prevention programs.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond the House's general authority to adopt simple resolutions expressing its sentiments, which does not require constitutional grounding since it creates no binding law.
Checks and balances
The House alone adopts this resolution as a statement of sentiment; it creates no enforceable authority for any branch and requires no action from the Senate, President, or agencies.
Historical precedent
Congress has passed similar commemorative resolutions recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month in prior years.