Rep. Slotkin has spent her career in national service. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which took place during her first week of graduate school in New York City, Rep. Slotkin knew that national service would define her career. She was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to be a Middle East analyst and went on to devote her career to protecting the United States from national security threats. In her role at the CIA, Rep. Slotkin worked alongside the U.S. military during three tours in Iraq as a militia expert. In between her tours in Iraq, Rep. Slotkin held various defense and intelligence positions under President Bush and President Obama, including roles at the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In 2011, Rep. Slotkin took a senior position at the Pentagon and, until January 2017, she served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. In this role, Rep. Slotkin oversaw policy on Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the Pentagon and participated in negotiations on some of the country’s most pressing national security issues.
Mental Health Awareness Act
The Mental Health Access Improvement Act would amend the Social Security Act to allow licensed professional counselors to provide mental health services under the Medicare program. Today, seniors are unable to use Medicare to see a licensed professional counselor and consequently face barriers to receiving adequate mental health care. The bill would also extend Medicare coverage to marriage and family therapists.
I want to ensure that seniors do not face obstacles to receive mental health treatment. The cost of health care has been the issue I have heard about most. As such, I strongly support efforts to make health care, including mental health care, affordable and accessible for all.