S6234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 18, 2018 reporting on the Myanmar military’s cam- (3) reaffirms the central role that inde- further traumatizes survivors of suicide loss paign against the Rohingya, and Reuters pendent and professional journalism plays in and people with lived experience of suicide; journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were strengthening democratic governance, up- and doing fact-checking and interviewing eye- holding the rule of law, mitigating conflict, Whereas September is an appropriate witnesses to these and other events; and informing public opinion around the month to designate as ‘‘National Suicide Whereas, on December 12, 2017, Wa Lone world; Prevention Month’’ because September 10 is and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested by police and (4) urges the Secretary of State to make a World Suicide Prevention Day, a day recog- later charged with illegally possessing secret determination whether the actions by the nized internationally and supported by the government documents under the colonial Myanmar military constitute crimes against World Health Organization: Now, therefore, era Official Secrets Act; humanity or genocide and to work with be it Whereas Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have interagency partners to impose targeted Resolved, That the Senate— been in custody from December 12, 2017, to sanctions on Myanmar military officials re- (1) recognizes suicide as a serious and pre- the present, including before, during, and sponsible for these heinous acts through ex- ventable national and State public health after their trial; isting authorities; and problem; Whereas, one of the key prosecution wit- (5) calls on the President and the Secretary (2) supports the designation of September nesses in the trial, Police Captain Moe Yan of State— as ‘‘National Suicide Prevention Month’’; Naing, said in open court on April 20, 2018, (A) to reaffirm the importance of a free (3) declares suicide prevention as a pri- that he and others were ordered by the press in strengthening democratic govern- ority; Myanmar police chief to ‘‘trap’’ Wa Lone by ance, upholding the rule of law, mitigating (4) acknowledges that no single suicide pre- inviting the journalist to meet them at a conflict, and informing public opinion vention program or effort will be appropriate restaurant and to give him ‘‘secret docu- around the world; and for all populations or communities; ments’’—a meeting that Wa Lone attended (B) to engage immediately and at the high- (5) promotes awareness that there is no in the company of his colleague, Kyaw Soe est levels with the Government of Myanmar, single cause of suicide; and Oo, which led to the immediate arrest of the including by encouraging Aung San Suu Kyi (6) supports strategies to increase access to two journalists; to use her influence to secure the immediate high-quality mental health, substance abuse, Whereas Police Captain Moe Yan Naing and unconditional release of Wa Lone and and suicide prevention services. was subsequently sentenced to one year in Kyaw Soe Oo, as United States leadership is f jail for violating police discipline; critical to this issue. SENATE RESOLUTION 637—DESIG- Whereas, on September 3, 2018, Yangon f northern district judge Ye Lwin ruled that NATING SEPTEMBER 2018 AS Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo breached the co- SENATE RESOLUTION 636—RECOG- ‘‘NATIONAL KINSHIP CARE lonial-era Official Secrets Act and sentenced NIZING SUICIDE AS A SERIOUS MONTH’’ them each to seven years in prison with hard PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM AND Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. HATCH labor; EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE , Whereas 83 Myanmar civil society organi- DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER AS Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. GRASSLEY, Ms. zations have signed a statement condemning ‘‘NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVEN- HEITKAMP, Mr. DAINES, Mr. VAN HOL- the verdict; TION MONTH’’ LEN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. JONES, Mr. Whereas the people of Myanmar, with as- BROWN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. KAINE, Mr. sistance from the Department of State and Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. MUR- KING, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. SCHUMER) the United States Agency for International PHY, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. submitted the following resolution; Development, have successfully grown their REED, and Mr. DONNELLY) submitted which was referred to the Committee cadre of ethical and hard hitting journalists, the following resolution; which was re- journalists who are adhering to the utmost on the Judiciary: professional standards and able to uncover ferred to the Committee on Health, S. RES. 637 Education , Labor, and Pensions: the abuses being committed in their own Whereas, in September 2018, ‘‘National country, and these journalists deserve the S. RES. 636 Kinship Care Month’’ is observed; international community’s support and Whereas suicide is the 10th leading cause of Whereas, nationally, 2,700,000 children are praise for taking on the risky job of fos- death in the United States and the second living in kinship care with grandparents or tering press freedom in their country, how- leading cause of death among individuals be- other relatives; ever nascent it is; tween the ages of 10 and 34; Whereas, nationally, 140,000 children in fos- Whereas United States Agency for Inter- Whereas, according to the Centers for Dis- ter care are placed with grandparents or national Development Administrator Mark ease Control and Prevention (referred to in other relatives, with more than 2,560,000 kin- Green released a statement calling the con- this preamble as the ‘‘CDC’’), 1 person dies ship children supported outside of the foster victions ‘‘an enormous setback for democ- by suicide every 12.3 minutes, resulting in care system; racy and the rule of law in Burma’’ and nearly 45,000 deaths each year in the United Whereas the percentage of kinship foster ‘‘urge[d] the Government of Burma to pro- States; children has increased more than 11 percent tect journalists and press freedom, which are Whereas, according to the Department of since 2006; the bedrocks of democracy and peace’’; Veterans Affairs, 20 members of the Armed Whereas the number of non-relative foster Whereas Vice President Mike Pence Forces on active duty, members of the re- parents continues to decrease and child wel- tweeted his concern over the sentence serve components of the Armed Forces who fare agencies are increasingly reliant on kin- against Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo for are not on active duty, or veterans die by ship families; ‘‘doing their job reporting on the atrocities suicide each day, resulting in more than 7,000 Whereas children in kinship care experi- being committed on the Rohingya people’’; deaths each year; ence improved placement stability, higher Whereas United States Ambassador to the Whereas the suicide rate in the United levels of permanency, and decreased behav- United Nations Nikki Haley described the States has steadily increased every year ioral problems; conviction as ‘‘another terrible stain on the from 1999 through 2016; Whereas kinship caregivers provide safety, Burmese government’’ and called for ‘‘their Whereas it is estimated that there are promote well-being, and establish stable immediate and unconditional release’’; more than 1,100,000 suicide attempts each households for vulnerable children; Whereas freedom of the press enhances year in the United States; Whereas grandparents and relatives resid- public accountability and transparency and Whereas more than half of individuals who ing in urban, rural, and suburban households therefore promotes adherence to the rule of die by suicide did not have a known mental in every State and territory of the United law and enforcement of universally recog- health condition; States have stepped forward out of love and nized human rights by all people; and Whereas, according to the CDC, many fac- loyalty to care for children during times in Whereas freedom of the press is a key com- tors contribute to suicide among individuals which parents are unable to do so; ponent of democratic governance and activ- with and without known mental health con- Whereas many kinship caregivers give up ism in civil society: Now, therefore, be it ditions, including challenges related to rela- their retirement years to assume parenting Resolved, That the Senate— tionships, substance abuse, physical health, duties for children; (1) calls for all the convictions against Wa and stress regarding work, money, legal Whereas grandparents and other relatives Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo to be nullified, for problems, or housing; are increasingly providing caring homes for the similar changes against many other jour- Whereas, according to the CDC, suicide re- children because of the opioid crisis; nalists currently awaiting trial to be sults in an estimated $44,600,000,000 in com- Whereas, because of parental substance use dropped, and for the immediate and uncondi- bined medical and work-loss costs in the disorders and other adverse childhood experi- tional release of these journalists; United States each year; ences, children in kinship care frequently (2) expresses concern about the Govern- Whereas the stigma associated with men- have trauma-related conditions; ment of Myanmar’s crackdown on journal- tal health conditions and suicidality hinders Whereas kinship care homes offer a refuge ists and press freedom throughout the coun- suicide prevention by discouraging at-risk for traumatized children; try; individuals from seeking life-saving help and Whereas kinship care enables a child—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:46 Sep 19, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18SE6.042 S18SEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE September 18, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6235 (1) to maintain family relationships and States will increase from 49,200,000 in 2016 to time equivalent undergraduate enrollment cultural heritage; and 94,700,000 in 2060; comprised of at least 25 percent Hispanic stu- (2) to remain in the community of the Whereas more than 1 of 4 older adults in dents; child; the United States falls each year; Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions Whereas kinship care is a national re- Whereas falls are the leading cause of both play an important role in educating many source that provides loving homes for chil- fatal and nonfatal injuries among older underprivileged students and helping those dren at risk; adults; students attain their full potential through Whereas the wisdom and compassion of Whereas, in 2016, approximately 3,000,000 higher education; kinship caregivers is a source of self-reliance older adults were treated in hospital emer- Whereas 492 Hispanic-Serving Institutions and strength for countless children and for gency departments for fall-related injuries; operate in the United States; the entire United States; Whereas, in 2016, more than 29,000 older Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions rep- Whereas kinship caregivers face daunting adults died from injuries related to uninten- resent just 14.9 percent of all nonprofit insti- challenges to keep children from entering tional falls and the death rate from falls of tutions of higher education, yet serve 24.5 foster care; older adults in the United States has risen percent of all students and 63 percent of all Whereas the Senate is proud to recognize sharply in the last decade; Hispanic students, enrolling more than the many kinship care families in which a Whereas, in 2015, the total direct medical 2,075,317 Hispanic students; child is raised by grandparents or other rel- cost of fall-related injuries for older adults, Whereas there are operating in 36 States atives; adjusted for inflation, was $50,000,000,000; and the District of Columbia 333 emerging Whereas the first president of the United Whereas, if the rate of increase in falls is Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which are in- States, George Washington, and his wife not slowed, the annual cost of fall injuries stitutions that do not meet the threshold of Martha were themselves kinship caregivers, will reach $100,000,000,000 by 2030; and 25 percent Hispanic enrollment but serve a as were many other great people of the Whereas evidence-based programs reduce Hispanic student population of between 15 United States; falls by utilizing cost-effective strategies, Whereas the Senate wishes to honor the such as exercise programs to improve bal- and 24 percent; many kinship caregivers, who throughout ance and strength, medication management, Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are the history of the United States have pro- vision improvement, reduction of home haz- located in 21 States and the Commonwealth vided loving homes for children; ards, and fall prevention education: Now, of Puerto Rico, and emerging Hispanic-Serv- Whereas National Kinship Care Month pro- therefore, be it ing Institutions are located in 36 States and vides an opportunity to urge people in every Resolved, That the Senate— the District of Columbia; State to join in recognizing and celebrating (1) designates September 22, 2018, as ‘‘Na- Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are kinship caregiving families and the tradition tional Falls Prevention Awareness Day’’; actively involved in stabilizing and improv- of families in the United States to help kin; (2) recognizes that there are proven, cost- ing the communities in which the institu- Whereas, in 2018, Congress provided for effective falls prevention programs and poli- tions are located; kinship navigator programs and services in cies; Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions the Family First Prevention Services Act (3) commends the 72 member organizations lead in efforts to increase Hispanic participa- enacted under title VII of division E of the of the Falls Free Coalition and the falls pre- tion in science, technology, engineering, and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law vention coalitions in 43 States and the Dis- mathematics; 115–123; 132 Stat. 64) and the Consolidated Ap- trict of Columbia for their efforts to work Whereas celebrating the vast contributions propriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141; together to increase education and aware- of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to the 132 Stat. 348); ness about preventing falls among older United States strengthens the culture of the Whereas, in 2018, Congress provided for the adults; United States; and formation of the Advisory Council to Sup- (4) encourages businesses, individuals, Fed- Whereas the achievements and goals of port Grandparents Raising Grandchildren to eral, State, and local governments, the pub- Hispanic-Serving Institutions deserve na- examine supports for grandparents and other lic health community, and health care pro- tional recognition: Now, therefore, be it kinship caregivers in the Supporting Grand- viders to work together to raise awareness of Resolved, That the Senate— parents Raising Grandchildren Act (Public falls in an effort to reduce the incidence of (1) recognizes the achievements and goals Law 115–196; 132 Stat. 1511); and falls among older adults in the United of Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the Whereas more remains to be done to sup- States; United States and in the Commonwealth of port kinship caregiving and to ensure that (5) recognizes the Centers for Disease Con- all children have a safe, loving, nurturing, trol and Prevention for its work developing Puerto Rico; and permanent family, regardless of age or and evaluating interventions for all mem- (2) designates the week beginning Sep- special needs: Now, therefore, be it bers of health care teams to make falls pre- tember 17, 2018, as ‘‘National Hispanic-Serv- Resolved, That the Senate— vention a routine part of clinical care; ing Institutions Week’’; and (1) designates September 2018 as ‘‘National (6) recognizes the Administration for Com- (3) calls on the people of the United States Kinship Care Month’’; munity Living for its work to promote ac- and interested groups to observe the week (2) encourages Congress, States, local gov- cess to evidence-based programs and services with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and ernments, and community organizations to in communities across the United States; programs to demonstrate support for His- continue to work to improve the lives of vul- (7) encourages State health departments panic-Serving Institutions. nerable children and families and to support and State units on aging, which provide sig- the communities working together to lift nificant leadership in reducing injuries and f them up; and related health care costs by collaborating (3) honors the commitment and dedication with organizations and individuals, to reduce of kinship caregivers and the advocates and falls among older adults; and SENATE RESOLUTION 640—RECOG- allies who work tirelessly to provide assist- (8) encourages experts in the field of falls NIZING SEPTEMBER 25, 2018, AS ance and services to kinship caregiving fami- prevention to share their best practices so ‘‘NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRA- lies. that their success can be replicated by oth- TION DAY’’ ers. f f Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. SENATE RESOLUTION 638—DESIG- BLUNT) submitted the following resolu- SENATE RESOLUTION 639—DESIG- NATING SEPTEMBER 22, 2018, AS tion; which was considered and agreed NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING ‘‘NATIONAL FALLS PREVENTION to: AWARENESS DAY’’ TO RAISE SEPTEMBER 17, 2018, AS ‘‘NA- AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE TIONAL HISPANIC-SERVING IN- S. RES. 640 STITUTIONS WEEK’’ THE PREVENTION OF FALLS Resolved, That the Senate— AMONG OLDER ADULTS Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. (1) recognizes September 25, 2018, as ‘‘Na- Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. CORNYN, Mr. BENNET, Ms. CORTEZ tional Voter Registration Day’’; and (2) encourages each voting-eligible citizen CASEY) submitted the following resolu- MASTO, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. HELLER, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. NELSON, of the United States— tion; which was considered and agreed (A) to register to vote; to: Mr. SANDERS, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. HARRIS, and Mr. RUBIO) submitted the following (B) to verify with the appropriate State or S. RES. 638 resolution; which was considered and local election official that the name, ad- dress, and other personal information on Whereas individuals who are 65 years of agreed to: age or older (referred to in this preamble as record is current; and ‘‘older adults’’) are the fastest growing seg- S. RES. 639 (C) to go to the polls on election day and ment of the population in the United States Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are vote if the voting-eligible citizen would like and the number of older adults in the United degree-granting institutions that have a full- to do so.

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