Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, joined by Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA), support Energy and Commerce’s decision to advance H.R. 3539, the Behavioral Health Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Act. This legislation will provide local communities with support for those who suffer from mental illness.

"American students’ world has been turned upside down because of this pandemic. It is important that as we work to get them back in the classroom that we also take precautions to ensure their safety on all fronts. School-aged children are at a prime age to identify and treat behavioral health issues. By providing training for behavioral health intervention and services, we can work to prevent further tragedy from happening. The BIG Act is critical legislation that will equip schools and communities with the tools they need to ensure the safety and health of each student. I appreciate the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this essential legislation,” said Burgess.    

"Every American wants to live in a safe community, but too often, that safety has been shattered by tragedy. This legislation equips local communities with the tools that they need to help identify troubled individuals before they hurt themselves or others. Threat assessment programs have a proven track record of deescalating potentially violent situations before they occur. The BIG Act will help schools and communities across the nation implement this life-saving program to ensure our students stay safe, healthy and successful,” said Congressman Ferguson.