MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Don Davis (NC-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) today introduced the Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act to address complications with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program application process.
 
The VA GPD program provides funding to community organizations that offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. This program has helped countless veterans across the country achieve financial and housing stability, ultimately leading to self-determination and independence. Unfortunately, many community organizations serving homeless veteran populations are unable to access this program due to a complicated application process, unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of communication from the VA.
 
The Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act will direct the VA to provide guidance and best practices for entities applying for grants through the GPD program. The bill also ensures the VA provides at least two informational sessions so that eligible organizations can better understand the application process, ask questions, and receive additional support directly from VA staff.
 
“We must equip organizations serving veterans with the tools they need to assist veterans experiencing homelessness,” Rep Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation guarantees the VA will communicate with organizations in our communities so they can better serve our veterans. By providing clear guidance, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind due to bureaucratic obstacles.”

“Community agencies dedicated to caring for homeless veterans should not be hindered from assisting them by difficult grant processes,” Rep. Bresnahan said. “These groups provide shelter and support for our nation’s heroes, and they deserve the same access to grants and resources as any other organization, regardless of their experience with per diem grants or whether they can afford a grants writer. I thank my colleague, Rep. Thompson, for calling attention to this issue and for providing a solution for veterans and the community agencies they depend on.”

“No veteran who sacrificed for our nation should be without a roof over their head,” Rep. Davis said. “We must ensure that our homeless veteran centers, which play a crucial role in providing shelter to our veterans, have the resources they need to receive these grants.”

“Many community organizations that support homeless veterans rely on VA grants but struggle with the application process due to a lack of resources,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our legislation will make the VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program more accessible by providing critical guidance and training, so these organizations can focus on what matters most, helping veterans get back on their feet.  Our nation’s commitment to veterans must include ensuring that those who serve them have the tools they need to succeed.”

This bill is supported by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

 
Click HERE to read the full text of the bill. 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) today joined Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Joe Neguse (D-CO) in introducing the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. 

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), first enacted in 2000, provides funding for schools, roads, and essential services in counties with significant amounts of tax-exempt federal land tracts of land covered by national forests.

“Without reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Program, many local education agencies may miss future payments, through no fault of their own,” said Rep. Thompson. “This bipartisan coalition of members representing forested counties across the country shows the real appetite to get this done as soon as possible.”

“For rural counties, including those in my own district, Secure Rural Schools funding is essential. This program ensures that schools stay open, roads are maintained, and emergency services are available, even when federal timber revenues fall short,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “In 2024 alone, California received $33.7 million through this program—funding that helps keep classrooms running and supports vital services like public safety and infrastructure. These funds replace the lost timber tax receipts that local governments once relied on. Without this funding, rural areas would struggle to provide even the most basic services. This bill ensures these counties have the resources they need for now, but we should be working to restore the timber industry so that these areas can actually provide revenue instead of relying on stopgap programs like SRS.”

“The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for folks in our rural and mountain communities. It unlocks funding for students and schools, wildfire mitigation initiatives, emergency search and rescue services, road maintenance, and more,” said Rep. Neguse. “I’m proud to co-lead this critical bill and will continue to advocate for the needs of folks across Colorado’s Western Slope.”

Since its enactment, SRS has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, joined President Donald J. Trump and other lawmakers at the White House where the President unveiled new tariffs and economic policies to level the playing field and make American businesses more competitive on the global stage.

The event, titled “Make America Wealthy Again,” was held in the Rose Garden to commemorate what President Trump has designated as “Liberation Day.”

“President Trump has made it clear: the America First agenda is focused on creating American jobs and strengthening national security. This is critically important to ensure not only free trade with other nations, but fair trade in this global economy,” said Rep. Kelly.

On Tuesday, Rep. Kelly, a co-chair of the House Automotive Caucus, joined NewsNation to discuss the importance of auto tariffs, the President’s goal to make more automobiles in the United States, and to rejuvenate the American auto industry.

BACKGROUND

The success of tariffs

• A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
• A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission — which analyzed the effects of President Trump’s Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports — found the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the affected goods, and had very minor effects on downstream prices.
• According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and had only a fleeting effect on overall prices.
    — Economic Policy Institute: “Following implementation of Sec. 232 measures in 2018—and prior to the global downturn in 2020—U.S. steel output, employment, capital investment, and financial performance all improved. In particular, U.S. steel producers announced plans to invest more than $15.7 billion in new or upgraded steel facilities, creating at least 3,200 direct new jobs, many of which are now poised to come online.”

Prior to President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, Israel and Vietnam are among the countries that have dropped their tariffs on the United States.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would encourage physical activity and incentivize healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees.

“As a former college football player and youth football coach myself, I’ve seen young Americans greatly improve their lives because they were able to join a team and play sports,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bill gives kids, especially those in underserved or low-income communities, a real chance to play the sport of their choice. This isn’t just about athletics: it’s about gaining critical team-building and character-building traits that stay with kids for the rest of their lives.”

“Too many working families are forced to cut back on healthy activities and lifestyles due to the rising costs of sports leagues, gym memberships, local swimming pools, and more,” said Rep. Panetta. “The PHIT Act provides a practical solution by allowing families to use pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts to help pay for fitness expenses. By breaking down financial barriers, we can encourage healthier habits, strengthen our communities, and invest in preventive care that lasts a lifetime.”

“Preventive health care doesn’t start in the doctor’s office — it starts with daily movement, access to fitness, and the ability to stay active,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The PHIT Act is about making those opportunities more affordable for families by allowing pre-tax health savings to cover fitness expenses like youth sports, gym memberships, and exercise equipment. We’re working to remove cost as a barrier to healthier living and shift our health care system toward one that values prevention, wellness, and long-term results.”

“For some Americans, certain gym or athletic league membership costs can be prohibitive, keeping them from pursuing healthy habits like exercising or participating in other physical activities,” said Sen. Thune. “The PHIT Act would reduce some of the cost barriers that Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles and make it easier and more affordable for folks to stay active throughout their lives. By giving Americans greater flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can empower people to make healthy choices, get active, and hopefully prevent the onset of costly chronic conditions as we work to make America healthy again.”

“The National Football League (NFL) is pleased to support the PHIT Act, which is sensible, bipartisan legislation that makes participation in youth sports and physical activity more accessible and affordable,” said Brendon Plack, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the NFL. “Encouraging America’s youth to adopt active lifestyles and healthy habits has been a cornerstone of the league’s commitment to community, and the PHIT Act helps to further advance that important goal.”

“Sports, exercise, and recreation are essential to the physical and mental well-being of Americans of all ages,” said Todd Smith, President and CEO of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “The PHIT Act is a forward-thinking, bipartisan solution that will make these activities more affordable and accessible, helping to build healthier communities and a stronger future for sports and fitness participation. SFIA thanks and supports Senators Thune and Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for reintroducing this act. As we head into this next decade of once-in-a-generation sporting events taking place in the U.S., we especially look forward to working together to pass the PHIT Act and expand opportunities for all.”

“Preventative health solutions are more important than ever, and physical activity is a proven, cost-effective way to make Americans healthier,” said Liz Clark, President and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. “The PHIT Act is a commonsense solution that will make it easier for individuals and families to invest in their health by making fitness more affordable. We applaud Majority Leader Thune and Sen. Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for their leadership in reintroducing PHIT in the 119th Congress and recognizing the critical role prevention plays in improving public health.”

“On behalf of the more than 2600 YMCAs who every day help build healthy spirit, minds and bodies for all and strengthen community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other, I applaud Representatives Kelly and Panetta and Senators Thune and Murphy for reintroducing the bi-partisan PHIT Act.  This legislation recognizes the chronic disease crisis our nation confronts and prioritizes prevention by providing new financial incentives for individuals and families to better access physical activity, exercise programs and sports in community facilities like the YMCA,” said Jeff Britt, SVP, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA.

You can read the full bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici and Dina Titus led 127 members of the House of Representatives in urging President Trump to reconsider his executive order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“Libraries and museums are critical to local communities, providing educational and other services to people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services is unacceptable. I’ve heard from many Oregonians and local institutions with grave concerns about losing this necessary stream of funding. Closing IMLS will hurt the American people for years to come, and we will fight every step of the way to save it.”

“Eliminating the IMLS would deprive millions of Americans of the educational resources they need to succeed in today’s society,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Libraries and museums are part of the cultural bedrock of this nation, driving learning, innovation, and community engagement. We should be enhancing museum and library services — not decimating them.”

The full text of the letter to President Trump is as follows:

We write to express our deep concern over the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the devastating impact such cuts would have on communities throughout the country. 

The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries. Operating in all 50 states and U.S. territories, it plays a vital role in strengthening these institutions which serve as essential educational, cultural, and economic pillars in our communities. From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans. The loss of this funding would be particularly devastating for rural, tribal, and other underserved communities that rely heavily on these institutions for access to learning resources, workforce development, and technological infrastructure.

Beyond their valuable contributions to education and social development, museums and libraries also serve as significant economic drivers. The American Alliance of Museums reports that museums alone contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year and support over 726,000 jobs. Museums have immense power to draw tourism and foot traffic to other local businesses and revitalize communities. For every $1 that museums and other nonprofit cultural organizations receive in government funding, they return more than $5 in tax revenue. They also have broad public support, with 96% of Americans wanting to maintain or increase federal funding for museums. Libraries similarly generate economic returns through workforce training programs, small business support, and research services. Nearly all of the approximately 17,000 public libraries across the nation offer Wi-Fi access at no charge, and in 2019, Americans accessed the Internet using library computers close to 224 million times.  This includes millions of students who lack adequate broadband access at home and rely on libraries to complete their homework.  Despite this, IMLS funding accounts for a mere 0.0046% of the federal budget, an incredibly modest investment relative to the immense benefits these institutions provide.

Eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize these essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement. We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the far-reaching impact of IMLS funding. Maintaining and strengthening federal support for museums and libraries is not just an investment in cultural preservation, it is an investment in education, innovation, and economic growth.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that America’s libraries and museums continue to thrive and serve the public.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [4/1/25] –Today Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) introduced bipartisan legislation to help more students benefit from arts education.

Research shows that students who have access to arts education gain critical thinking skills, empathy, creativity, and better learning outcomes. The Arts Education for All Act would improve access to quality arts education and programming for early learners, K-12 students, and youth and adults involved in the justice system.

“A quality arts education provides students with lifelong skills that benefit them no matter what path they take,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The arts also have a unique ability to heal, which is greatly needed at a time when many students are struggling with their mental health. Unfortunately, arts programming is often the first to be cut when schools face budget shortfalls and a lack of access to arts education disproportionately affects students from marginalized communities. The Arts Education for All Act will help give every student the opportunity to learn from the arts.”

“As one of the first states to mandate arts education in its public schools, Mainers understand and believe in the value and transformative power of the arts, especially for our young people,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus. “Research shows that a strong arts education leads to better educational outcomes, including when it comes to standardized tests. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Arts Education for All Act, which would give millions of kids across the country a real opportunity to not only learn about the arts, but to be inspired by them—and become stronger lifelong learners because of it.”

“The arts are the heartbeat of our communities, preserving our rich cultural heritage and inspiring the next generation of creators and storytellers,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Every child—no matter their background—deserves access to arts education that nurtures their creativity, strengthens their academic success, and empowers them to dream big. I am proud to co-lead the Arts Education for All Act because investing in the arts means investing in our children, our culture, and the future of New Mexico.” 

The Arts Education for All Act has been endorsed by 132 national, state, and local organizations and individuals, including Americans for the Arts, the American Art Therapy Association, Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Grantmakers in the Arts, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The full list of endorsements can be found here.

It is cosponsored by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Emily Randall (D-WA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).

The Arts Education for All Act will promote arts education and programming for youth and adults in early learning centers, K-12 schools, and juvenile justice facilities by:

• Improving arts programming in caregiving and early education
• Providing support for arts access in K-12 schools
• Making professional development for arts educators a priority
• Increasing the usability and accessibility of data on access to arts education
• Integrating the arts in afterschool and summer learning programs
• Facilitating arts education in the justice system
• Allowing arts education to be used in reentry and recidivism reduction efforts

A summary of the Arts Education for All Act can be found here, and the full text can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON DC [3/27/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman introduced bipartisan legislation to continue work designed to prevent sexual harassment and assault at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Many NOAA employees work in remote locations and aboard research and survey vessels to study, understand, and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coastal conditions. The isolated nature of NOAA workplaces increases the risk of sexual assault and harassment, and in recent years the agency has updated its policies to better protect staff. The NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act strengthens existing protections against sexual assault and harassment and creates additional measures of accountability.

“Scientists and researchers at NOAA should be able to conduct their critical work without the fear of sexual harassment or assault,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Thanks to the bravery of survivors who have spoken out, we’ve made progress to prevent harassment and abuse at NOAA. But recent reports show that there is more work to be done. I’m grateful to join my colleague Ranking Member Huffman in this effort to create safe workplaces where researchers can focus on making the next scientific breakthrough in a safe workplace.”

“NOAA employees perform essential work for our communities and our planet — often in extreme and isolated environments where support systems are limited, and people may be more at risk,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens accountability, expands protections, and builds a system that prioritizes safety and respect for everyone who serves this crucial mission. We have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the scientists, observers, and staff doing this critical work is never up for debate.”

Specifically, the legislation will: 

• Expand coverage of NOAA’s sexual harassment prevention and response policy. The new policy will include personnel who were not otherwise covered, including commercial fisheries contractors, protected species researchers, platform removal observers, and staff of regional fishery management councils.
• Direct NOAA to provide a clear mechanism for anonymous reports of sexual harassment. NOAA’s Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Program Manager or the NOAA Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights will be designated as the recipients of reports so the agency can track incidents of harassment or assault and protect a victim’s privacy.
• Provide a secure reporting structure for victims. The bill directs NOAA to develop a mechanism to provide restricted reporting that would allow victims of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment to receive services without triggering an investigative process, if requested by the victim. Current policy requires an investigation of any report, which may discourage some victims from seeking services.
• Expand reports to Congress about sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal opportunity employment. The bill adds additional requirements to NOAA’s annual report to Congress, including a synopsis of cases of sexual harassment, change of station or work location requests initiated to reduce the possibility of retaliation or further sexual assault of employees, the number of employees or contractors referred to the U.S. Coast Guard for further review of their credentials, and cases of sexual assault and harassment of fisheries observers.
• Improve the ability of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to enforce a prohibition on assault, intimidation, and interference with fisheries observers. The bill would remove the stipulation in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that these acts be “forcible” in nature and occur “on a vessel” for NOAA to investigate. 

A summary of the legislation can be found here. A copy of the bill text can be found here.

As a senior member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Bonamici has led efforts over the years to address sexual harassment and abuse at NOAA. She has been a strong advocate for survivors and has worked with NOAA to improve its policies.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [3/20/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Ranking Member of the Early Childhood and Secondary Education Subcommittee, released the following statement on President Trump’s expected Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education.

“Trying to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct attack on students, families, and educators across the country who are seeking a brighter future through education,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Public schools open doors to opportunity for millions of students and they should be supported, not undermined. 

“The President does not have the authority to dismantle the Department of Education. Congress created the Department and only Congress, not the President, has authority to dismantle it. This Executive Order will be challenged in Congress and in the courts. 

“The federal investment in public education is vital to help level the playing field so all students in every corner of every state have the opportunity to get a quality education. About 90 percent of all students and 95 percent of students with disabilities attend public schools. Eliminating programs that are essential to their success is abhorrent, especially when the administration plans to take important programs away from students to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. 

“Most Americans oppose eliminating the Department of Education because they, unlike Donald Trump and Elon Musk, understand the value of the programs it supports. Title I provides the additional support needed for schools with a high population of low-income students. Funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is critical for schools to provide the education required by law to students with disabilities. Federal support for Career and Technical Education programs helps to engage students with hands-on learning. Pell Grants, work study, and student loans open the doors of opportunity for students who seek a higher education but don’t have the resources to pay for tuition and expenses. And the Department of Education enforces the civil rights of every student in public school to be free from discrimination.

“Eliminating these programs and other important federal support will result in massive gaps of opportunity for millions of students across the country, and shifting the burden to state and local governments will result in increased taxes, larger class sizes, loss of programming, worse outcomes, and doors of opportunity closing for millions of Americans.

“Additionally, the administration has said that there is a need to return authority over education to the States and local communities. Wrong again. States and local communities already have authority over education; in fact, federal law expressly prohibits Congress from dictating curriculum. State legislatures and school boards have that power and authority now so there is nothing to ‘return.’

“This Executive Order has its roots in Project 2025 and would have devastating consequences for students with disabilities, students from low-income or rural communities, those who experience discrimination and harassment, and public education in general. It would also jeopardize the wellbeing of student loan borrowers and individuals who are pursuing or plan to pursue a higher education and overall send a message to the world that the United States does not value education. I will do all I can to oppose this extreme abuse of power and will continue to advocate for students, families, educators, and the economic benefits that come from an educated country.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [03/03/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that Arielle Kane, a maternal health policy analyst who was fired from her job at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will be her guest for President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.

Kane grew up in Oregon. As a federal employee she focused on how Medicaid can help improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the country’s high maternal mortality rate. Recently Donald Trump and Elon Musk fired her from her position as part of the purge of dedicated federal workers. She has been outspoken about how the cuts will jeopardize efforts to provide mothers with better care at lower costs.

 

“Arielle Kane has dedicated her career to improving the health of mothers and babies,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “It’s appalling that Elon Musk’s team of DOGE bros fired her, halting work designed to save lives. Firing federal workers like Arielle will not make our government more efficient; instead it is blocking work that would save lives of mothers and babies in Oregon and across the country.”

“I’m not here to say everything is perfect in the U.S. health care system, but when you fire the people working on making it better, you aren’t going to fix anything,” said Arielle Kane. “Maternal health outcomes in the U.S. are the worst among high-income countries and gutting the team that’s working to improve outcomes at lower costs won’t make them any better.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) introduced the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025. The bipartisan bill would provide grants to law enforcement departments at the state, local, territorial, and tribal level to obtain vital behavioral health crisis response training to resolve behavioral health crisis situations more safely and effectively. Funding for this training would be authorized under the Byrne JAG program funding.

 “Our nation owes a deep debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of law enforcement and corrections officers who are often the first to respond to volatile and often dangerous situations involving people at their most vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help those who protect and serve our communities alongside Congresswoman Bice. Our officers deserve all of the training and resources we can provide to help them effectively and safely handle behavioral health crises to protect themselves, those experiencing crisis, and the public they serve.”

“Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us. With increasing rates of mental health conditions, our officers need to know how to react in difficult situations,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05). “The Mental Health Crisis Response Act will help our police officers learn effective ways to resolve behavioral health crisis situations and ultimately increase their safety, and the safety of our communities.”

This legislation is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police. Additional House original cosponsors include Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03), and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01).

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, supplies grants to local law enforcement entities for public safety initiatives. Grants created under this bill will be managed through Byrne JAG Prevention and Education programming. Byrne JAG grants are always distributed to supplement available State and local grants and never to supplant them. Law enforcement officers are often the first responders to behavioral health crises. One in every 10 calls for police response involve a person living with a mental illness; 1 in every 4 people killed by police experience mental health issues; 1 in 3 people transported to a hospital emergency room for psychiatric reasons are taken by the police. When responding to calls, law enforcement officers need to be prepared to respond to all possible scenarios and, with increasing frequency, we’re seeing that involve behavioral health crises. By improving training for these types of responses, we can better keep our officers safe, ensure individuals in crisis are treated with dignity, and improve trust amongst the communities affected.

 

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