The Kansas City Police Department detective who took his own life in February was the fourth member of our department to do so in as many years. His suicide was the first we discussed publicly because we decided as a department that it was time that we face this issue head on.
“While others run away from danger, police officers are the first to run towards it. They have seen horrible crime and tragedy, yet they still put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. While we can never thank them enough for their service, this week we honor the brave men and women lost in the line of duty and express our gratitude to those who continue to diligently serve and protect our communities.”
Today the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) bipartisan Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019. Introduced with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the legislation is aimed at addressing a major crisis within the law enforcement community: officer suicide.
Less than a week after introduction, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s “Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019” has received an outpouring of support from the law enforcement and suicide prevention communities. The bill restores expired grant funding for law enforcement family-support services. The bill also allows grant recipients to use funds to establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers.
“Every day law enforcement demonstrates tremendous bravery in protecting us from the worst of humanity, but it often takes a toll. Police work is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. This legislation will provide much-needed support to the heroes that keep us safe.”
“It’s infuriating to watch the big pharma companies abuse American families again and again by charging them outrageous prices for lifesaving medicines. We need to lift the veil of secrecy that surrounds prescription drug pricing. Insurance companies need to be up front about what consumers will pay for prescription drugs and pharmacies need to disclose the lowest price available. It’s common sense,” Senator Hawley said.
Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) held a press conference this morning where they announced new legislation to bring down prescription drug prices. Their legislation, the Transparent Drug Pricing Act of 2019, ensures pharmaceutical companies can’t charge Americans more than consumers in other parts of the world. It would also force insurance companies and pharmacies to disclose the real price of drugs.