HONORING THE LIFE OF BLAKE SCHWARZ

On 2025-04-08, Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF BLAKE SCHWARZ" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF BLAKE SCHWARZ

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)] [House] [Page H1493] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF BLAKE SCHWARZ (Mr. SORENSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Blake Schwarz, a constituent of mine from Chadwick, Illinois, who lost his life to suicide 2 years ago, leaving behind a loving wife and a daughter who he never had a chance to meet. Blake spent the last 3 years of his life as a corrections officer at the Thompson Correctional Center. I don't think most of us understand how hard these law enforcement officers work. For Blake, he did not have the resources when he was struggling, and he did not survive. I have heard stories from correctional officers across the country who say they need more. The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act will provide officers across the country with the resources they need to live. When Michelle came to my office and asked if I would champion this bill in honor of the love of her life, with tears welling up then as they are now, I said yes. Today, I call on House Republicans to stop their delay and bring this bill to a vote in the name of our hero from Chadwick, Illinois. ____________________