House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) and Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing mental health challenges among law enforcement personnel within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill, H.R. 6548, known as the “DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act,” seeks to create a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program at DHS and enhance existing mental health support services.
Chairman Garbarino stated, “Today and every day, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the DHS frontline personnel who put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe––from the U.S. Border Patrol and the Coast Guard to Federal Air Marshals, and every officer and agent in between. With assaults against federal law enforcement on the rise and in the wake of a historic border crisis, it is more important than ever to support our frontline personnel in every aspect of their homeland security mission, especially their emotional well-being. The ‘DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act’ will help ensure that these brave men and women have access to the care, resources, and support they and their families deserve.”
Ranking Member Thompson emphasized concerns about suicide rates among DHS law enforcement: “With the known suicide rate of DHS’s law enforcement workforce unfortunately on the rise in recent years, I am sponsoring this much-needed bipartisan legislation to address this clear health care crisis. By establishing a department-wide Mental Health and Resiliency Program, we are giving DHS the tools it needs to better support its workforce. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Chairman Garbarino to ensure the men and women protecting our homeland receive the care and resources they deserve. I look forward to the Committee considering our legislation.”
The proposed program would include various activities focused on improving mental health services for officers across different branches of DHS.
