CQ (1/24, Attias, Subscription Publication) says leaders in both houses of Congress, spurred by the Newtown school shooting, “appear focused on reviewing the current [mental health] system while speaking in broad terms about what issues should be discussed.” For example, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee “is holding a hearing Thursday – its first of the new Congress – focused on mental health, and a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee is also expected to hear testimony on the topic.” Also, Julio C. Abreu at Mental Health America said US Sen. Al Franken will introduce legislation to increase access to mental healthcare in schools. The group also seeks a bill “to enhance community mental health centers by setting eligibility criteria and extending coverage under Medicaid.”
