HRES-697-119
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' support for designating September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10, 2025 as "World Suicide Prevention Day." It also states the House's views recognizing suicide as a preventable public health problem and supports increasing access to mental health and substance abuse services, but it does not create any new program, funding, or legal requirement.
Who benefits
No group gains a material legal or financial benefit, since the resolution creates no funding or program; mental health advocacy organizations and suicide prevention groups may benefit indirectly from increased public attention and awareness.
Who is hurt
No group is negatively affected, as the resolution imposes no requirements, costs, or restrictions on any individual, business, or government entity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that suicide is a significant public health problem, citing CDC data showing nearly 49,000 deaths in 2023 and its status as the second-leading cause of death for people aged 10-34, and that a formal designation raises public awareness and reduces stigma that discourages people from seeking help. They contend that symbolic recognition can support broader prevention efforts by encouraging public dialogue and highlighting existing crisis resources like the Veterans Crisis Line.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that commemorative resolutions like this one do not allocate any funding or create enforceable policy, so they have limited practical effect on the underlying problem despite the serious statistics cited. They contend that congressional floor time and resources might be better directed toward substantive legislation addressing mental health funding, insurance coverage, or crisis intervention infrastructure rather than symbolic designations.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond Congress's general authority to express its views through simple resolutions, which carry no force of law.
Checks and balances
This is a simple House resolution expressing sentiment; it does not confer authority on any branch, create enforceable obligations, or require executive implementation.
Historical precedent
Congress has regularly passed similar commemorative resolutions recognizing awareness months and days, including prior suicide prevention month resolutions in earlier congressional sessions.