A day before the federal government plans to pull the plug on the nations only government-funded dedicated LGBTQ+ suicide crisis line, Rep. Mark Pocan is warning that lives hang in the balance, and hes demanding answers from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.This hotline has already saved countless lives, Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat and former chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, said in a statement Wednesday. This shortsighted and dangerous plan undermines 988s ability to provide tailored support for a population with a higher risk of suicide and will have lethal consequences if enacted.Related: No, Canada hasnt launched a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ AmericansAt issue is the LGBTQ+ subline of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, launched in 2022 and accessible by pressing 3. Since then, it has fielded nearly 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats.Initially slated by President Donald Trumps administration to end in October, the line is now set to terminate on Thursday, following a June announcement from HHS. Pocan said Kennedy had promised during a May House Appropriations Committee hearing that he was happy to talk about the hotlines future, but has since ignored multiple meeting requests.HHS Press Secretary Emily Hilliard did not answer our sister brandThe Advocates specific questions about Pocans meeting request or the urgency of the cuts, instead pointing to the departments prior statement on the issue.Lawmakers from both parties are planning a press conference Thursday outside the Capitol to demand the service remain. Speakers include Democratic Reps. Sharice Davids of Kansas, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Andrea Salinas of Oregon, Doris Matsui of California, Paul Tonko of New York, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, and Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, alongside Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project.Related: Experts brace for crisis as Trump administrations end to key emergency resource for LGBTQ+ youth loomsIts heartbreaking, scary, and deeply harmful, Davids told The Advocate Wednesday. She said she has little confidence that Kennedy fully understands how ending the subline could endanger LGBTQ+ youth.Davids emphasized that adults should protect young people, not leave them vulnerable. Every single person is important, she said. Its unconscionable that leaders arent pushing back against this decision that will cost lives.An HHS spokesperson told The Advocate that the Press 3 option had exhausted its congressionally directed funding and that maintaining it would have resulted in massive reductions in service across the entire 988 Lifeline. The Press 3 option is managed by a third party outside of the federal government, the spokesperson said. As of June 2025, more than $33 million in funds have been spent, fully exhausting the Congressionally directed funds allocated for LGB+ subnetwork services.The Trump administration doesnt acknowledge the existence of transgender or nonbinary people.Related: Ariana Grande & Pedro Pascal among 100 celebrities asking Congress to save LGBTQ+ youth 988 hotlineContinuing the subline, the spokesperson added, would have required SAMHSA to reallocate funds away from supporting the main 988 Lifeline, thereby compromising the entire system. The agency official said that it made a critical decision to sustain the national lifeline and ensure that all individuals continue to receive culturally competent crisis support. The 988 Lifeline will continue to be a direct connection to immediate support for all Americans, regardless of their circumstances, the spokesperson said. That has not changed.Advocates warn the shutdown could devastate LGBTQ+ youth, who already face higher suicide risks. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people consider suicide each year.Alex Boyd, the groups director of crisis intervention, called the planned cuts a major gap in service that would eliminate $25 million in federal funding for LGBTQ+-specific crisis support.Related: Advocates and health experts worry Trump's suicide prevention hotline cuts will increase LGBTQ+ youth deathsThis isnt just a liberal issue, Krishnamoorthi told The Advocate last month. It was signed into law by President Trump. Eliminating this lifeline is cruelty.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says LGBTQ+ callers will be helped in the general 988 system. However, advocates fear that many will not receive the kind of support they can trust to understand their concerns.While other resources exist around the country, The Trevor Project has launched an emergency campaign to help keep its services running. If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.