Federal push to connect first responders with 988 crisis line
In committeeH.R. 8367Latest action
Sponsor: Kat Cammack · Representative · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Answering the Call Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Federal agencies would be required to promote the 988 crisis line to first responders and report results to Congress within three years.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require the federal government to run outreach campaigns, offer grants for awareness efforts, train 988 counselors on first responder experiences, and collect anonymous data on how first responders use the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A pilot program would bring together federal agencies and first responder organizations to shape these efforts. Any data collected must protect caller privacy and follow existing federal and state privacy laws.
Who does it affect?
The Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Fire Administration would carry out the requirements. Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and 911 dispatchers are the intended people this bill tries to reach.
Why does it matter?
Without this law, there would be no formal federal effort to connect first responders with the 988 crisis line. If passed, Congress would receive a report within three years on how well the pilot program worked.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 20, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 13, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3446)