Moulton Applauds Restoration of 988 “Press 3” Option for LGBTQIA+ Youth After Months of Pressure on Trump Administration

October 2, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the months of pressure on the Trump Administration, led by Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06), the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline resumed its LGBTQIA+ Youth Specialized Services, known as the “Press 3” option, this week. “Restoring the Press 3 option is long overdue, but I’m glad to see the Trump Administration finally heed our calls to bring back this critical affirming care for LGBTQIA+ youth,” said Congressman Moulton. “Congress provided the funding and the direction to keep this lifeline open long ago, and it’s disappointing that there was any lapse in service for the Press 3 option. I’ll keep working alongside my colleagues to make sure Press 3 is available to every young person who needs it.” The Press 3 option launched nationally in 2022 and handled roughly 1.6 million contacts before the Trump Administration shut it down in July 2025. Congressman Moulton and a bipartisan group of colleagues sent a letter in February 2026 to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services demanding the immediate restoration of the Press 3 option. On July 15, 2026, Congressman Moulton and several other colleagues held a press conference on Capitol Hill to renew the call for the Press 3 option to be restored. This followed the inclusion of $33.1 million in the FY2026 Appropriations law, along with a funding directive, requiring HHS to fund the line. LGBTQIA+ youth face higher rates of serious depression and suicidal thoughts than their peers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Congressman Moulton has emphasized that specialized crisis services like the Press 3 option are a proven way to reach young people at their most vulnerable moments. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org . ### Issues : Expanding Mental Healthcare