Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH MARKUP
ON H.R. 1424, THE “PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007” AND H.R. 1236, TO AUTHORIZE THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE TO ISSUE A SPECIAL POSTAGE STAMP TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

Otober 10, 2007

I thank the Gentleman from New Jersey, our distinguished Chairman Mr. Pallone, for his leadership on the issue of parity for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Chairman Pallone held a very informative hearing on this subject in June, where we heard from a number of witnesses about the discrimination faced by those with mental health and substance abuse disorders at the hands of health plans.

This legislation, H.R. 1424, carries the name of a great champion for mental health and substance abuse issues – the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Senator Wellstone was unwavering in his commitment to end the discrimination faced not just by those with diseases of the body, but also by those with diseases of the mind.

This commitment is continued in the House by our colleagues Representatives Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad. Mr. Ramstad will be retiring at the end of this Congress and it would be a fitting tribute for this excellent bill to be signed into law while he is still in the House. I am pleased by the bipartisan support for H.R. 1424 and look forward to its passage by this Committee and the House and its enactment into law.

I also note that the Subcommittee will also consider today H.R. 1236, which authorizes the Postal Service to issue a special breast cancer research stamp. This stamp will not only raise public awareness about this devastating disease, but its proceeds will also go toward vital research. It is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.