New Suicide Hotline Number, Respect for Marriage Act and more -- Matt's Weekly Memo

New Crisis Line Launches

Dear John,

In 2020, Congress came together to pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. I’m proud to share that this bipartisan legislation paved the way for this week's launch of 9-8-8, the new national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Just like we all know to dial 9-1-1 during a medical emergency, we now have an easy-to-remember number for mental health emergencies. Trained crisis counselors will respond to calls, chats or texts from anyone who needs support.

You can also dial 9-8-8 if you're worried about a loved one who may need assistance. For more information on this lifesaving service, click below.

Learn more here

Pennsylvania's 250th Anniversary

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) is now in the planning stages to develop and coordinate a statewide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth. Set for 2026, the event's planned activities aim to highlight the contributions of Pennsylvanians to the nation’s history.

Last week, America250PA Executive Director, Cassandra Coleman, visited Honesdale to learn more about the town's rail history, which included a ride on the Stourbridge line to Hawley. April Niver, my office's Economic Development Director, joined along for the visit and tour.

From left: April Niver, PhD; Dawn Robinson, Dark Moon Entertainment; Cassandra Coleman, America250PA; A.T. "Tom" Myles of the Myles Group; Kim Rickard, Wayne County; Dave Williams, Farm Country Radio; and Carol Henry Dunn, Wayne County Historical Society.

Respect for Marriage Act

This week, bipartisan members of the House voted decisively to protect same-sex and interracial marriages and ensure that they remain recognized under the law by passing the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that I’m proud to serve as a cosponsor.

All Americans deserve the right to marry who they love and live without fear that their lives will be upended through a rollback of their rights. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure long-term stability by providing important statutory protections for all marriages.

I now look to the members of the Senate to pass this important legislation that will protect families across the country. Marriage equality is already the law of the land and we need to make sure it remains so.

Meet the Interns

We'd like to recognize our legislative interns who are serving Northeastern Pennsylvanians this summer from our Washington, D.C., office. This great group of young adults helps our constituents by assisting them with all sorts of issues while learning about the legislative process on the front lines.

My office is always on the lookout for interns who are dedicated to serving the community and passionate about civil service. If you know someone who'd like to serve as a Congressional office intern, please have them fill out an application HERE.

From left: Catherine Clancy, Max Dayton-Yaeger, Congressman Matt Cartwright and Thomas Dessoye on the steps of the Capitol.

Be safe and well,

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