Mr. Jxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxx, IA 500xxxxxxx
Thank
you for contacting me regarding proposed gun safety measures and mental
health reform. I appreciate hearing from you about these important
topics.
Like
all Americans, I was deeply saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook
Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. What added to our grief as a
nation was that it also came on the heels of mass gun shootings in
Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, and the senseless acts of violence that
occur every day throughout our country. In light of all of these
events, it is apparent that far too many Americans, including children,
are needlessly losing their lives. We must come together as a country
to prevent future tragedies and the senseless loss of life, and to
ensure that no American lives in fear.
On
January 17, 2013, the President put forward a specific plan to protect
our children and communities by reducing gun violence. The plan includes
legislative and executive action that combined would close background
check loopholes, ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity
magazines, equip schools with safety resources and equipment, and
increase access to mental health services.
As a
hunter, I know that the recreational use and collection of guns is
important to many Iowans and I will continue to work to protect the
rights of law-abiding American gun owners. But we need to ask whether
people need unlimited access to any arms, including those capable of
shooting hundreds of bullets in a very short time. We can support gun
rights while continuing to support responsible legislation to reduce
crime and make our schools and communities safer. Each of these goals
is important and I believe that they can be accomplished simultaneously.
That is
why, over the years, I have consistently supported common-sense
measures to protect our communities. For example, in the past, I have
voted in favor of legislation to close the loopholes on criminal
background checks on gun purchases at gun shows, and to require gun
manufacturers to include child safety locks on guns. I have also voted
against a blanket liability exception for gun manufacturers and sellers.
The
tragedy at Newtown also shined a light on the state of our country's
mental health care system. Over the past several months, I have heard
from many Iowans about this issue, and their voices have been joined
with people across the nation, including President Obama, calling for us
to take a hard look at improving access to mental health services. In
so doing, it is important to combat a common, insidious misconception
that people with mental illness are inherently violent. In fact,
individuals with mental illness are far more likely to be the victims of
violence than the perpetrators. We must remember that this unfounded
stereotype is an impediment to reform, not a window into it.
With
this in mind, on January 24, 2013, as Chairman of the Senate Committee
on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I convened a hearing to assess
the state of America's mental health. We heard from expert government
witnesses, as well as health care providers, mental health agencies, and
patients. To view a webcast of this hearing, please visit http://www.help.senate.gov.
The
hearing highlighted some of the shortcomings of the mental health care
system. To begin with, mental health illnesses are chronic diseases
that disproportionately affect young people under the age of 24. Yet
the system appears to be failing some of these people. Less than half
of children with an identified mental illness receive treatment, and the
average gap between the onset of symptoms and the receiving of
treatment is nearly a decade. Failing to diagnose and treat mental
illness early in life seriously - and needlessly - aggravates adult
mental health illnesses.
Shortcomings
in diagnosis and treatment also spill over into other areas of
society. For instance, a student struggling with a mental illness, like
depression or anxiety, faces additional difficulties maintaining good
grades and graduating on time. Our prisons are also overburdened by
people who should be receiving treatment and substance abuse counseling
as part of their rehabilitation.
We know
that when individuals with mental illnesses receive appropriate
treatment and support, they can recover and lead productive, healthy
lives. I am currently examining proposals to strengthen access to
mental health services in our communities, in schools, and in the
clinical setting. In addition, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations
subcommittee that funds federal health initiatives, I plan to take a
close look at opportunities to strengthen funding measures. I am also
heartened at the reforms we have already made. The landmark health
insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), provides nearly 30
million previously-uninsured Americans with access to health insurance
plans that will be required to include coverage for mental health and
substance abuse services. Integrating primary care and mental health
services will reduce barriers to care and lessen the stigma of mental
illness.
Again,
thank you for sharing your views with me. Please do not hesitate to let
me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.
