Wesley Bell (D-MO)
Recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem, expressing support for the designation of September 8, 2026, as "988 Day" and the role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and for other purposes.
A Democratic resolution with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 20 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem in the United States. It expresses support for designating September 8, 2026, as 988 Day. The text highlights the important role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in connecting people in crisis to support. It notes statistics regarding suicide deaths and the high volume of contacts the lifeline has received since 2022. Finally, it outlines the House of Representatives' support for public education, crisis intervention programs, and mental health services.
Yes· 3 of 27
- Scored +8
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill explicitly supports expanding access to mental health services and crisis intervention programs.
- Scored +7
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?
Specifically recognizes the importance of targeted crisis support for the LGBTQI+ population.
- Scored +6
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Suicide is identified as a leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34, making this support vital.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Public Education and Outreach: Under resolved section (3), the House encourages continued public education and outreach regarding the availability and importance of 988, particularly for high-risk populations. This is positive because it helps more people know where to find help during a mental health crisis.
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Expansion of Access to Services: Under resolved section (4), the resolution supports Federal, State, and local efforts to expand access to mental health services and crisis intervention programs. This is beneficial as it aims to make life-saving support more available to individuals and communities.
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Recognition of 988 Day: Under resolved section (5), the resolution supports the goals and ideals of 988 Day to recognize the essential role of the Lifeline in saving lives. This recognition helps raise awareness of mental health support across all communities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — Specifically recognizes the importance of targeted crisis support for the LGBTQI+ population. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Specifically mentions services for Spanish speakers as part of the lifeline. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Provides support in over 240 languages, aiding non-native English speakers. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Expressly supports the veterans crisis line as part of the 988 network. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Suicide is identified as a leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34, making this support vital. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Provides crisis support in multiple languages and promotes general access to mental health services. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Provides crisis support in over 240 languages. Would children be better off under this? — Provides critical crisis support for youth, who are highlighted as a high-risk group. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Provides a free, accessible lifeline for mental health crises. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Provides a free, accessible lifeline and supports the expansion of public health services. Would men be better off under this? — Broadens access to critical mental health and suicide prevention services. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Broadens access to mental health and crisis intervention for all adults. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Provides a free, accessible lifeline for mental health crises. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Provides crisis support in multiple languages and promotes general access to mental health services. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Includes TTY services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Would retired people be better off under this? — Provides an accessible lifeline for mental health crises. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Broadens access to mental health and crisis intervention for all adults. Would students be better off under this? — Addresses suicide as a major health problem for the 10-34 age range. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Provides a free, accessible lifeline for mental health crises. Would women be better off under this? — Broadens access to critical mental health and suicide prevention services.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill explicitly supports expanding access to mental health services and crisis intervention programs. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — It promotes a critical component of the national mental health safety net. Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill recognizes the importance of specialized options, including the veterans crisis line. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill acknowledges substance use disorders as a risk factor for suicide and supports crisis intervention.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people? — The bill highlights the importance of targeted crisis support for the LGBTQI+ population. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill notes support via TTY services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — It supports the role of the veterans crisis line within the 988 system.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2026
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- 9/8/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 13 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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