Congressman Sorensen Honors Blake Schwarz on House Floor, Urges Passage of Suicide Prevention Bill in His Name

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) honored former Thomson Federal Correctional Institution Officer Blake Schwarz on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and urged House leadership to swiftly pass the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act.  

 

The legislation would help provide mental health support for corrections officers across the country by establishing a grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice to fund mental health screenings and referrals for officers in federal, state, and local facilities. 

 

“The Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act will provide officers across the country the resources they need to live,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “When Michelle came to my office and asked if I would champion this bill in the honor of the love of her life – with tears welling then as they are now – I said yes. So today, I call on House Republicans to stop their delay and bring this bill to a vote in the name of our hero from Chadwick, Illinois.” 

 

You can watch the full remarks from Congressman Sorensen by watching the video HERE.