Press releases

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in applauding the Senate’s passage of the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 to help first responders, police and 9-1-1 personnel cope with traumatic stress.

The legislation would establish mental health programs for the men and women who provide life-saving services and often experience long-term mental health effects as a result of their heroism.

“I’m proud to see that the Fighting PTSD Act passed the Senate. The House must now send this crucial legislation to the president’s desk so that first responders can receive the resources they need to care for their own health while they serve Louisiana communities,” said Kennedy.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“First responders are humble and heroic members of our community. Their selfless service often places them at physical risk and can also result in serious mental and emotional distress after the fact. I’m glad to see this legislation move forward so that we can provide first responders with the mental health resources they need and deserve,” said Grassley.

Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) also cosponsored the bill. 

The full bill text is available here