Senators Optimistic About Bipartisan Mental Health Bill Deal
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has indicated that he is willing to put the bill from Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., on the floor if enough support exists so that debate time will be limited. In other news from Capitol Hill, Vice President Joe Biden hints that Republican lawmakers may support his cancer funding request, while a Democratic congressman calls out Red Cross struggles.
The Hill:
Senators Hope For Deal Soon On Mental Health Bill
Senators say they are optimistic that a bipartisan mental health reform bill can reach the Senate floor and pass soon, though they are still working out differences over guns and finances. Multiple senators said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has told them that he is willing to put the bill from Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on the floor but that a consensus has to be built ahead of time so that consideration does not take up too much valuable floor time. (Sullivan, 5/26)
The Connecticut Mirror:
Murphy Presses For Action On Mental Health Bill Despite Obstacles
Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have bipartisan support for a bill that would reform the nation’s mental health system and are pressing for Senate action on the legislation. (Radelat, 5/26)
The Hill:
Biden Claims ‘Total Bipartisan Support’ For Cancer Funding
Vice President Biden on Thursday hinted that key GOP leaders are willing to support his billion-dollar request for cancer research funding this year. Biden declared Thursday “there’s total bipartisan support” on Capitol Hill for his ambitious moonshot campaign to accelerate cures for cancer. (Ferris, 5/26)
ProPublica:
Congressman To Red Cross: ‘How Do You Get Lost Going To A Disaster Area?’
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the ranking member of the congressional committee that oversees the Red Cross, sent a three-page letter to the charity’s CEO on Monday demanding that she explain why the Red Cross struggled to respond to record flooding in Mississippi this spring. Thompson pressed Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern for details on the impact of its staffing cuts and how it plans to coordinate better with state emergency managers. (Smith, 5/26)
