Thompson and Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Support for DHS Law Enforcement
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6548) to strengthen mental health resources for law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The “DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act” would create a department-wide program to oversee and streamline the delivery of enhanced mental health and wellness services for tens of thousands of Department law enforcement officers and agents.
“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,” said Ranking Member Thompson. “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.”
“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,” said Chairman Garbarino. “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.”
Endorsed by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Blue H.E.L.P. & American Psychological Association (APA).
This legislation establishes a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Resiliency Program within DHS to ensure officers and agents can access the mental health support they need without risking their careers. It requires DHS to improve data collection on suicides and attempted suicides, expand mental health and resiliency training for officers, agents, and their families –and promote awareness for supervisors, caregivers, and support professionals. It also directs DHS to create the first of its kind Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council and revise policies that may discourage agents and officers from seeking help.
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